Using both Internet and field collection methods for the 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings The 2006 Online Census Form

Background Key drivers for change –To improve/maintain participation in the census and give people choice –Improve aspects of census data quality

Challenges faced and lessons learned 1.Managing the impact on existing processes 2.Managing stakeholder expectations 3.Statistical – quantitative and qualitative data 4.Technical – IT environment

1. Managing the impact on existing processes Communication –Communication on doorstep most crucial aspect to promotion –Interest at doorstep not equal to actual uptake –Uptake from low Internet usage sample (5.6%) –Uptake patterns consistent with previous tests

1. Managing the impact on existing processes Uptake – census focused on a single day – results from dress rehearsal –Respondent behaviour in line with previous tests

1. Managing the impact on existing processes Usage by hour of the day – results from dress rehearsal –Respondent behaviour in line with previous tests

2. Managing stakeholder expectations E-government requirements –By June 2004, the Internet will be the dominant means of enabling ready access to government information and services –By June 2007, networks and Internet technologies will be integral to the delivery of government information and services –By June 2010, the operation of government will have been transformed through its use of the Internet Perceptions of security –Statistics New Zealand Public Attitude Survey showed 5% felt Internet was most secure method for data transfer –GO2002 – 31% of New Zealanders consider Internet safe to use –GO2003 – 35% of New Zealanders consider Internet safe to use

3. Statistical – quantitative and qualitative data Transfer of manual enumeration process to online respondent –Increase/decrease in burden for on-line respondents Level of respondent burden IncreaseDecrease The respondent is unable to submit the form if one or more of the six compulsory fields have not been completed. Based on responses to certain questions the respondent is ‘routed’ past non- required fields. Field validations prevent ‘impossible’ values in respondents’ responses. Therefore on-line checking of data being entered. Summary of forms completed and receipt numbers provided on the Household summary page Relative complexity of the log-on process adds burden to accessing the online form. No need for the enumerator to return to collect the completed form.

3. Statistical – quantitative and qualitative data Data validations and edits Respondent burden Quality of data Time series data

4. Technical – IT environment Usability Uptake/loading Privacy/confidentiality Security Integration

Demonstration

4. Technical – IT environment Vulnerability of the log-on and authentication process

4. Technical – IT environment Handwritten entries for Internet (HHID) District Sub-district Mesh block Pre-printed Line number & Check character Both manually entered

4. Technical – IT environment Handwritten entries for Internet (HHID) Is this a 4 or a U?

4. Technical – IT environment Solutions: –Process to check valid HHIDs –Process to check valid ePINs –Process to check linked HHID and ePINs –Develop application for helpline:

Main changes Changes being made –New branding and logo –Titles updated from 'Dress Rehearsal' to 'Census’ –Question changes from paper form –Additional help/information content –Revised ‘Contact Us’ –Separate text-only pages for screenreaders –Support for JAWS and Hal screenreaders –Hidden – compatibility with OS and browsers

Conclusion Learning gained from 2006 implementation Expectations –Government – less resources/lower cost –Population – use of Internet to provide data Greater efficiency and effectiveness for 2011 –Less paper forms –Less enumerators in the field –Better quality data –Less form capture through imaging Savings both expected and realised for 2011