Couple say statistics survey was ‘intrusive’
It began with a knock on the door and a letter.
It ended with Helen and Doug Schrieber having to sit down with two government officials for more than three hours and detail almost every aspect of their personal finances.
The Hamilton couple were one of 20,000 households randomly selected from across the country to complete this year’s Household Economic Survey.
Helen said it was the first time she had to complete a government survey and she was shocked at the breadth of information she was required to hand over.
The couple were twice reminded of their legal obligation to participate in the survey.
‘‘Everyone we talked to about the survey would say they [Government] can’t make you do that but actually, they can,’’ Helen said.
‘‘The people that came to our house were personable and polite but I’m incensed at the thought that we had to provide all this information.
‘‘I’d like to know the reason and benefit to the wider community for people to be aware of how big my mortgage is, how long I’ve had it, and what my interest rate is.’’
The couple had to detail their income, expenditure, debt and savings.
Statistics NZ can prosecute people under the Statistics Act 1975 to ensure compliance when all other methods of ensuring compliance have failed.
According to the department’s website, prosecutions are selected at the discretion of the Government Statistician.
Statistics NZ labour market and household statistics senior manager Jason Attewell said the Household Economic Survey was run every year.
Every three years, extra questions are asked so as to measure household expenditure.
Previously, data was collected from about 3500 households but, from July, this was increased to 20,000 households in response to the Government’s ambition to reduce child poverty.
Attewell said the survey data helped officials understand what New Zealanders spent their money on. This helped Statistics NZ price the right goods and services in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI shows the general rate of inflation and helps set the official cash rate.
The Schriebers were told the survey interview would take about 40 minutes, but it actually took three hours to complete. In addition, the couple had to keep a diary for a week, detailing all of their expenditure, and provide receipts.