Credibility of New Zealand Statistics During US Jobs Data Crisis

The government relies on accurate employment data to make policy decisions, and this information is collected by a team of 260 people who interview around 30,000 individuals every four months. Each person is surveyed for eight quarters, with the first interview done in person and the following seven conducted over the phone.

But here’s the catch—getting reliable data depends on people’s willingness to participate in these surveys. In a world where trust in the Government is on the decline, convincing individuals to engage with surveyors can be challenging. Particularly with younger generations hesitant to answer the door or pick up phone calls.

This poses a unique challenge for gathering and analyzing crucial economic data. Trustworthy statistics are vital for shaping policies that impact all of us. So, the next time you get a call or a knock on the door for an employment survey, consider the bigger picture at play. Your input could help shape the future of our economy.