REVEALED: Stats NZ’s $338,000 Survey Swag Bags

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal can reveal through an Official Information request that Stats NZ has spent $338,200 (exc. GST) over the past three years on branded giveaways and incentives such as gift cards, rewarding people for not responding to government surveys the first time.

The items handed out by field staff during household visits include:

• 7,149 $20 gift cards for $143,000
• 5,179 coffee mug packs for $52,261.
• Notepads, pens, and fridge magnets for $93,533.

Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:

“Statistics NZ have built a rewards scheme for being difficult. Say no to a survey the first time and you get a mug, magnet, or even gift cards.”

“This isn’t Stats NZ’s first time doling out more presents than Santa, with Warriors tickets, fuel vouchers, and food cards in the line-up for the 2023 census."

"This rort for people too lazy to fill out a form or answer the phone is an insult to those New Zealanders doing the right thing.”

“Their job is to collect data, not hand out freebies to people who won’t play ball. Refusing to co-operate with basic legal duties should come with a beefed-up fine, not a swag bag of treats and goodies.”