Statistics New Zealand says it will continue its compulsory eight-year survey of thousands of New Zealanders, despite a complaint of intrusive questions.
The Sofie (Survey of Family, Income and Employment), is the first nationally representative long-term survey carried out in New Zealand.
Standard of Living manager Andrea Blackburn said it would provide a valuable picture over time of the changes in the economic well being of individuals and their families, and the factors influencing those changes.
In 2002, 22,000 people were randomly selected to take part in the survey.
Those selected were told they had a "legal obligation" to answer questions about their personal finances and health during an annual interview.
Wairarapa graphic artist Alistair Hughes, who said he and his wife wanted to be excused after participating in the survey for six years, told The Dominion Post they were told they could receive a $500 fine for not complying.
He said they were asked detailed questions relating to their income and expenditure, personal health and what surgery they might have had.
He said he had sent a letter of complaint, but had not received an answer.
Ms Blackburn said she recognised the survey involved answering some personal questions but the confidentiality and security of information collected was paramount.
"We very much appreciate the assistance of our survey participants and their commitment over time to ensure that we have quality information."
She said the department had no record of a complaint being received from Mr Hughes, but would be in touch with him and his wife.
"We are always sympathetic to people with extenuating circumstances, when these are made known, and are able to be flexible."
She said exceptions could be made in cases of illness or bereavement, stress and family crises.
Interviews in those circumstances could be delayed for a year and there was also a provision for a shortened form of the interview.
However, Ms Blackburn added that participation was compulsory in order to ensure a high response rate and quality statistics.
Usually most people were willing to complete surveys once the value to the country and New Zealander's was explained, she said.
"We prosecute sparingly and only when non compliance may threaten the integrity of collection (but) there have been no prosecutions in regard to Sofie," Ms Blackburn said.
NZPA
source: newshub archive
