New Zealand’s first Public Service Census, to be held in May, will cover about 60,000 Government workers in 36 Agencies.
They will be asked questions focusing on diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at work, a unified Public Service, and strengthening Māori-Crown relationships.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, the Public Service Commission said the aim of the census was to get a better understanding of the diversity of Public Servants.
“Understanding their experiences, views and motivations, will help build a unified Public Service that truly represents the people we serve, where Public Servants feel supported to be themselves at work,” the Commission said.
“It will also identify factors enabling Public Servants to work to their full potential for New Zealand and New Zealanders,” it said.
The Commission said the Public Service Act 2020 introduced new requirements to promote diversity and inclusiveness and develop Māori engagement capability in Public Service Agencies.
“Information gathered in the census will help monitor how well these requirements are being embedded,” it said.
“Participation is voluntary, census responses will remain anonymous and individuals will not be identifiable from the data.”
The census is being conducted by an independent research provider, Research NZ, on behalf of the Public Service Commission.
It will be delivered online, with paper and telephone versions available for people unable to complete the online questionnaire.
High-level census information will be available in late 2021.
Wellington, 29 January 2021
