Statistics New Zealand staff have been out dropping off census forms in the lead-up to Census Day on Tuesday. This week's Newsmaker is Rotorua's Tracey Curry who is the Waiariki/King Country area manager for Census 2013.
Tell us about yourself.
I am married to Ross and we have two wonderful daughters Melanie, 13, and Becky, 11. I also have two great step-children Jo and Des. Walking our 12-year-old golden lab in the Redwoods is a favourite relaxing pastime for me while the rest of the family mountain bike. Our other "Happy Place" is Ohope Beach where we have spent many summers. Before the girls leave home we are trying to do the "AA 101 must do attractions in New Zealand" - we have nearly completed this.
What was the attraction to being the area manager for 2013 census?
I was human resource manager for the Taupo Electorate in 2011 employing over 300 staff for election day. This seemed a natural progression to be part of the 2013 census. I enjoy working on short term projects.
What other roles have you held before this?
My background is human resource management. I have worked the past two elections as human resource manager. This role is very different as with elections the voters go to the polling place, this role we go out to the public. My husband and I also own a labour contracting business providing labour to sawmills. We have 30 staff contracted to various sawmills.
What does the role of area manager involve?
My area is Waiariki/King Country. My main role is to ensure a census form is delivered to every person in the area. My contract began in August 2012 and I set up field offices in Taupo, Turangi, Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Te Awamutu, Cambridge, Tokoroa and Rotorua.
There are just over 300 collectors working on a six-week contract delivering and collecting forms. I work with a team of 23 district supervisors who recruit, train and support the collectors. A big part of my role is to co-ordinate all areas of the project. I am exceptionally lucky to have an amazing team of people working with me.
What have you enjoyed about the role?
I get to travel around this very diverse country of ours visiting and working with communities - there are some pretty amazing people working in our communities. I enjoy a good challenge and this has certainly been one.
What has been most challenging about the role?
At this stage of the project I have learnt to expect the unexpected every day - census day is a snapshot of New Zealand on March 5 - this includes not only people at home but also people in hospital, homeless, school camps, prisons, people staying in Department of Conservation camps, camping grounds, motels, hotels and resthomes.
We have an iron-sand carrier off the coast out of Taharoa on census night and the staff change-over is on census day, the nationality of the crew is mostly Phillipino and Indian, we need to ensure they complete forms. A collector has been employed to ensure the people canoeing on the Whanganui River complete forms in remote areas - the collector will be travelling in a canoe.
Why is it important that people take part in the census?
Statistics are used in everyday life - this resource is used by the Government to determine spending in communities. This includes the budget for education and health - if you use these resources it is important to be counted.
Have you had any quirky reactions from people when collectors have called around to drop off census forms?
Only a few dog bites and naked people answering the door.
What sort of information do you like to read about from the information compiled from the Census?
Statistics New Zealand has a very detailed website that is available to everyone. It is an excellent resource. It has been seven years since the last Census so the information collected this census is vital for our future - as a parent I am aware that information collected will be used for my children's future. Also it is Election Year 2014 and information received will determine electoral boundaries.
Tell us three things about yourself that most people wouldn't know.
My maiden name is Haddock.
My family own fishing boats in Whakatane.
I get seasick.