How are families defined?
Traditionally in New Zealand it has been the norm to define families as though they follow the perceived western European norm referred to as the nuclear family – ie one husband, one wife and may include one or more children – living in a single household. The definition of family has been extended in recent decades to include other partnerships and, more recently still, same-sex partnerships. Read more about defining families.
How are households defined?
A household consists of one or more people who usually live in the same dwelling and who share living facilities. A household can contain one or more families, or can contain no families at all. A household that does not contain a family nucleus could contain unrelated people, related people, or could simply be a person living alone.
What are family and household statistics used for?
Family and household statistics provide information on how New Zealand society is structured. The number of families and households, together with their size and composition, provides information on housing needs, requirements for social services, changing social relationships within New Zealand (at both the national and the regional levels) and the relationship between social, environmental and economic dynamics.
Review of Family Statistics
Statistics New Zealand has recently completed a thorough review of family statistics and the results are available in the published Report of the Review of Official Family Statistics. The report identifies family statistics information needs, where these are currently met and recommends how information gaps can be filled. It focuses on family information relevant to the official statistics system.
Resources
Families
Defining families
Issues to be aware of when defining family. Created for the Population and Sustainable Development website, 2004.Family Data from 2001 Census
contains a basic set of tables for reference. Additional information is available from Table Builder. Published by Statistics New Zealand.
Family and Household Projections
Includes the latest projections for families and households. Published by Statistics New Zealand.
Overview of families in New Zealand
A comprehensive report on families in New Zealand from the Ministry of Social Development.
Roy McKenzie Centre for the Study of Families
Studies on families to be posted on this website when completed.
The Impact of Family and Community Resources on Student Outcomes: An Assessment of the International Literature with Implications for New Zealand Literature review by the Ministry of Education on the relationship between families and children's educational outcomes.
Households
Dwelling and Household Estimates
Provides the latest estimate of households in New Zealand.
Family and Household Projections
Includes the latest projections for families and households.
Household Data from 2001 Census
Contains a basic set of tables for reference. Additional information is available from Table Builder.
Household formation (trends) and demand for state housing
"The NZ Housing Sector and its changing context". From section 3 of the Housing New Zealand Corporation's briefing to the incoming Minister, 2002.
References
Hakim C (2003). Models of the Family in Modern Societies, Open University Press, Buckingham.
Houston D (2004). Work-Life Balance in the 21st Century, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
Jackson S and Moores S (1995). The Politics of Domestic Consumption, Prentice Hall, New York.
McPherson M (2003). The nature and role of the extended family in New Zealand, Social Policy Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North.
Moe K (2003). Women, Family and Work: Writings in the Economics of Gender, Blackwell, Oxford.
Experts
For further information email the Demography Division of Statistics New Zealand or write to:
Robert Didham
Demography Division
Statistics New Zealand
Dollan House
401 Madras Street
Private Bag 4741
Christchurch