2023 Census, % of people aged 15+ where information available
The following information applies to all values in the table.
Census Year: 2023, Subject population: Census usually resident population, Age group: 15-*, Measure: Sexual identity, Unit: Percentage of total stated
Use an alternative source for this data if possible, or be very careful using the data. This data was rated poor quality by Stats NZ. Look for other datasets to use instead, or to help check your assumptions if possible. Otherwise, read the warnings and response rate metadata below before using.
Stats NZ gives data an overall rating based on sources and coverage, consistency, and data quality.
Why am I seeing this?
This data is from the Census. The past two censuses had relatively low response rates, particularly for some areas of New Zealand and groups of people.
Where information was missing or unreadable, Stats NZ attempted to use data from a range of places such as previous censuses or administrative data that is collected by other government agencies. If that isn't available, Stats NZ use statistical models to predict what the missing data would have been. This is called imputation.
Things to be aware of
Because of the high volume of missing responses, the absolute number of LGBTIQ+ people is likely to be undercounted.
Cisgender refers to a person whose gender is the same as the sex recorded at their birth. Transgender refers to a person whose gender is different from the sex recorded at their birth.
The criterion used to classify a person as cisgender or transgender is self-defined. It is derived based on the responses provided to the gender and sex at birth questions.
It is important to note that this does not ascribe an identity to someone (that is, it should not be assumed that people identify with any of these terms). Instead, responses are categorised to compare groups. Being classified into a cisgender or transgender category reflects the relationship between a person’s sex at birth and their gender, and whether these differ or align. It is not a statement about the terms that someone identifies with.
'Sexual identity' refers to the ways in which a person thinks of their sexuality and which terms they identify with. It is one aspect of sexual orientation, which also includes sexual attraction and sexual behaviour. These three aspects are related to each other and can change independently.
'Variations of sex characteristics' refers to people born with innate genetic, hormonal, or physical sex characteristics that do not conform to medical norms for female or male bodies. It refers to a wide spectrum of variations to hormones, chromosomes, genitals and/or reproductive organs. Other terms used to describe being born with variations of sex characteristics are intersex person, a person with an intersex variation, or Differences of Sex Development (DSD)
The LGBTIQ+ category is derived where responses have been received to one or more of the following:
- another gender
- transgender
- if a person has given a response that is coded to be homosexual, bisexual, or sexual identity not elsewhere classified
- persons who know they were born with a variation of sex characteristics.
Response rates and final data sources
The response rate from 2023 Census forms was 86.2% for cisgender and transgender status, 84.4% for the sexual identity variable, 84.4% for the variation of sex characteristics. There was no information for the remainder of people aged 15+. This results in the data quality to be assessed as 'Poor'.
Definitions
Census usually resident population count of New Zealand: a count of all people who usually live in and were present in New Zealand on census night. It excludes overseas visitors and New Zealand residents who are temporarily overseas.
Census night population count of New Zealand: a count of all people present in New Zealand on census night. This includes visitors from overseas who are counted on census night but excludes residents who are temporarily overseas on census night.
Dwelling: A dwelling is any building or structure that is used, or intended to be used, for human habitation. There can be more than one dwelling within a building. For example, each apartment in an apartment building is a dwelling.
Household: either one person who usually resides alone, or two or more people who usually reside together and share facilities in a private dwelling. Included are people who were absent on census night but usually live in a particular dwelling and are members of that household, as long as they were reported as being absent on the dwelling form or the household set-up form.
Response 'stated': Members of the subject population (eg. people or dwelling) for which the data was obtained through a census form, administrative sources, or imputed.
Data calculation/treatment
This data has been randomly rounded to protect confidentiality. Figure.NZ calculated percentages based on the 'Total stated' values for each variable. Individual percentages may not sum to 100% and values for the same data may vary in different tables.
Geographically the census includes the North Island, South Island, Stewart Island, and the Chatham Islands, plus largely uninhabited islands including the Kermadec Islands, Three Kings Islands, Mayor Island, Motiti Island, White Island, Moutohora Island, Bounty Islands, Snares Islands, Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, and Campbell Island.
The New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings is the official count of how many people and dwellings there are in New Zealand. It provides a snapshot of our society at a point in time and helps to tell the story of its social and economic change. The 2023 Census, held on Tuesday 7 March, was the 35th New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings. The first official census was run in 1851, and since 1877 there has been a census every five years, with only four exceptions.
Purpose of collection
Census information is used by government agencies, local authorities, businesses, community organisations, and the public for developing and implementing new policies, research, planning, and decision-making. It helps with making decisions about how to best use public funding, especially in areas of health, education, housing, and transport.
The census is also the primary source of information used for deciding the number of general and Māori electorates, along with data from the corresponding Māori Electoral Option.