Longitudinal Survey of Income, Employment and Family Dynamics

Abstract

Statistics New Zealand has completed the feasibility study for a Longitudinal Survey of Income, Employment and Family Dynamics, and is now in the process of implementing the recommended methodology for this survey. Data collection begins in April 2002. The survey will provide information about changes over time in the economic wellbeing of individuals, and factors influencing that change such as labour market behaviour and changes in family structure. From an initial panel of households the individuals selected will be interviewed and re-interviewed once every 12 months for 8 years. The paper describes the information to be collected, output variables and types of analysis possible with longitudinal data. Policy uses of the data are briefly discussed, with selected examples of overseas analysis using longitudinal survey information.