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One of the recommendations of Statistics New Zealand’s 2004 Review of the Measurement of Ethnicity was that a programme of research on ethnicity be commenced. One of the central issues considered in the review was how best to collect, code and report dual and multiple ethnic responses. While the review recommended more use be made of single and combination ethnic groups, as well as total ethnic counts, there was still some uncertainty over the best way to report and use dual and ethnic responses. This paper provides some practical samples of the presentation of multiple response data. It is hoped these examples will stimulate further analysis which acknowledges the complexity of ethnicity. Both birth registration data and census data indicate that a small, but growing, proportion of the population report more than one ethnic group. The reportage of more than one ethnic group is particularly prevalent amongst the wider Maori and Pacific Peoples ethnic groups, but is also important amongst younger European and Asian peoples.

One reason for people recording more than one ethnic group is that they are children of either recent or distant ethnic intermarriages. While Statistics New Zealand has traditionally provided some household based data, such as the number of couples where both partners are employed, in its reportage post censuses, it has never focused on ethnic intermarriage. While knowing how much ethnic intermarriage is taking place in society is of interest in itself, knowing more about intermarriage, including whether it is increasing, potentially provides some guide as to how ethnic responses of individuals may change in …