Living outside the norm
An analysis of people living in temporary and
communal dwellings, 2013 Census

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Citation
Statistics New Zealand (2015). Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in
temporary and communal dwellings, 2013 Census. Available from www.stats.govt.nz.
ISBN 978-0-478-42989-3 (online)
Published in July 2015 by
Statistics New Zealand
Tatauranga Aotearoa
Wellington, New Zealand
Contact
Statistics New Zealand Information Centre: info@stats.govt.nz
Phone toll-free 0508 525 525
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www.stats.govt.nz

 Contents
List of tables and figures ................................................................................................... 5
1 Introduction and overview ............................................................................................ 7
Dwelling types covered in Living outside the norm ......................................................... 7
2.3 percent of population living in non-private and alternative dwellings in 2013 ........... 8
2 People who live in residential care for older people ............................................... 11
Auckland region has the most people in residential care for older people ................... 11
More than two-thirds of people in residential care for older people are female ............ 13
1 in 7 people aged 80+ live in residential care for older people.................................... 14
Most people in residential care for older people are European .................................... 15
Less than five years most common time living in residential care for older people ...... 15
More than half of those in residential care for older people are widowed .................... 16
4 in 5 people in residential care for older people received superannuation or veterans
pension .......................................................................................................................... 16
3 People who live in residential and community care facilities ................................ 17
Over 6,000 people in residential and community care facilities in 2013 ....................... 17
Over half of those in residential and community care facilities are aged 40–64 years . 17
Most people living in residential and community care facilities are European .............. 18
Longer stays common among people in residential and community care facilities ...... 18
Most people in residential and community care facilities not partnered, never married18
People in residential and community care facilities four times more likely to have no
qualifications .................................................................................................................. 19
Most people in residential and community care not in labour force .............................. 19
Two-thirds of people in residential and community care receive invalids benefit ......... 20
Income distribution different for people in residential and community care .................. 20
4 People who live in boarding houses ......................................................................... 22
More than 2,500 people living in boarding houses in 2013........................................... 22
Boarding house residents most likely to be aged 30–64 years .................................... 22
Higher proportions of Māori, Pacific peoples, and Asian ethnic groups in boarding
houses ........................................................................................................................... 23
Around half of boarding house residents have lived there less than one year ............. 24
Higher percentage of boarding house residents unemployed ...................................... 25
Income of boarding house residents lower ................................................................... 26
4 in 5 boarding house residents not partnered.............................................................. 27
5 People who live in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation .............................. 28
Over 11,000 people live in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation......................... 28
Higher proportion of people in their 20s living in hotels, motels, and guest
accommodation ............................................................................................................. 28
3

 Around half the residents of hotels, motels, and guest accommodation born overseas29
Higher proportion of Asian people living in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation 30
Hotels, motels, and guest accommodation a short-term option for many .................... 31
Two-thirds of those living in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation not partnered 31
People living in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation more likely to be studying 31
Almost half the people living in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation working fulltime 31
People living in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation more likely than total
population to be labourers, less likely to be professionals ............................................ 32
Income lower for those living in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation ................. 33
6 People who live in prisons and penal institutions ................................................... 34
Over 4,000 people in prisons and penal institutions ..................................................... 34
9 in 10 people in prisons and penal institutions are male ............................................. 34
Māori make up almost half the people in prisons and penal institutions ...................... 35
Half of those in prisons and penal institutions have no qualification............................. 36
Most people in prisons and penal institutions never married ........................................ 37
Women in prisons and penal institutions more likely than women in total population to
have had children .......................................................................................................... 37
7 People who live in other occupied private dwellings .............................................. 39
Over 17,000 people in alternative private dwellings in 2013......................................... 39
People in alternative private dwellings tend to be older ................................................ 40
People in alternative private dwellings less likely to live with partners ......................... 40
High proportions of European and Māori in alternative private dwellings ..................... 41
People in alternative private dwellings less likely to have formal qualifications ........... 41
People in alternative private dwellings have lower incomes ......................................... 42
Employment and unemployment rates for people in alternative private dwellings
similar to wider population ............................................................................................. 43
Alternative private dwellings: more one-person households and fewer households with
children .......................................................................................................................... 44
Over one-quarter of households in alternative private dwellings use bottled gas for
heating ........................................................................................................................... 45
Definitions and information about the data ................................................................... 46
Definitions ...................................................................................................................... 46
Information about the data............................................................................................. 46
References ........................................................................................................................ 48
Appendix ........................................................................................................................... 49
More information .............................................................................................................. 50
List of available tables ..................................................................................................... 51

4

 List of tables and figures
List of tables
1. Number of occupied non-private dwellings and other occupied private dwellings,
and number of people living in them, 2013 Census ........................................................ 9
2. Selected age groups for people living in residential care for older people, 2013
Census ........................................................................................................................... 14
3. Selected ethnic group (grouped total responses) for people aged 65 years and over
in residential care for older people, 2013 Census ......................................................... 15
4. Work and labour force status for people in residential and community care facilities,
2013 Census .................................................................................................................. 20
5. Age group and birthplace for people living in hotels, motels, and guest
accommodation, 2013 Census ...................................................................................... 30
6. Selected age groups of those studying, for people living in hotels, motels, and guest
accommodation, 2013 Census ...................................................................................... 31
7. Selected ethnic group (grouped total responses) for people living in prisons and
penal institutions, 2013 Census .................................................................................... 35
8. Legally registered relationship status for people living in prisons and penal
institutions, 2013 Census .............................................................................................. 37
9. Number of children born alive for women living in prisons and penal institutions,
2013 Census .................................................................................................................. 38

List of figures
1. Density map of people living in residential care for older people in Auckland local
board areas, 2013 Census ............................................................................................ 12
2. Age group of people in residential care for older people, 2006 and 2013 Censuses13
3. Percentage of total population, by age group, in residential care for older people,
2006 and 2013 Censuses.............................................................................................. 14
4. Years at usual residence for people in residential care for older people, 2013
Census ........................................................................................................................... 16
5. Age group for people in residential and community care facilities, 2013 Census .... 17
6. Selected ethnic group for people in residential and community care facilities, 2013
Census ........................................................................................................................... 18
7. Highest qualification for people in residential and community care facilities, 2013
Census ........................................................................................................................... 19
8. Grouped total personal income for people in residential and community care
facilities, 2013 Census ................................................................................................... 21
9. Age group for people in boarding houses, 2013 Census .......................................... 23
10. Selected ethnic group for people in boarding houses, 2013 Census ..................... 24
11. Years at usual residence for people in boarding houses, 2013 Census ................ 24
12. Work and labour force status for people in boarding houses, 2006 and 2013
Censuses ....................................................................................................................... 25
13. Grouped total personal income for people in boarding houses, 2013 Census ....... 26
14. Sources of personal income for people in boarding houses, 2006 and 2013
Censuses ....................................................................................................................... 27
5

 15. Age group for people in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation, 2013 Census 29
16. Selected ethnic group for people in boarding houses, 2013 Census ..................... 30
17. Occupation for people in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation, 2013 Census32
18. Grouped total personal income for people in hotels, motels, and guest
accommodation, 2013 Census ...................................................................................... 33
19. Age group for people in prisons or penal institutions, 2013 Census....................... 35
20. Highest qualification for people in prisons or penal institutions, 2013 Census ....... 36
21. Highest qualification for people in alternative private dwellings, 2013 Census ...... 42
22. Total personal income for people living in alternative private dwellings, 2013
Census ........................................................................................................................... 43
23. Work and labour force status for people in alternative private dwellings, 2013
Census ........................................................................................................................... 44
24. Household composition for alternative private dwellings, 2013 Census ................. 45

6

 1 Introduction and overview
This report provides information about people in New Zealand at the time of the 2013
Census who lived in dwellings we consider to be outside the norm – by which we mean
different from the private houses, units, and apartments that the majority of the population
lives in. 'Outside the norm' dwellings include non-private (communal) dwellings and
alternative forms of private housing.
Most of these dwellings were non-private dwellings, which were generally available to the
public for particular purposes – eg, employment, study, special needs, or recreation. Nonprivate dwellings provide short- or long-term communal or transitory-type
accommodation, and include residential care for older people, motor camps, boarding
houses, and hotels and motels.
A smaller proportion lived in 'other occupied private dwellings' – which we refer to in this
report as ‘alternative private dwellings'. These include improvised shelters and mobile
dwellings.

Dwelling types covered in Living outside the norm
Living outside the norm focuses on people living in the dwelling types:
 residential care for older people
 residential and community care facilities
 boarding houses
 hotels, motels, and guest accommodation
 prisons and penal institutions
 other occupied private dwellings.
For further information about these dwelling types see the definitions section.
The people identified as living in non-private dwellings were in these dwellings on census
night, and stated this was where they usually lived. This excludes those who were visiting
on census night, eg people holidaying at a motor camp.
The counts of people who usually live in occupied private dwellings also includes
absentees – ie people who usually lived in the dwelling but were absent at the time of the
census. We only collect selected information about absentees – namely, age and sex.
Note that changes between censuses in the overall number of non-private dwellings, and
in certain types of non-private dwellings (such as residential and community care
facilities) may be partly because we've developed better methods for identifying these
dwellings over time.
We have included a comparison of the number of people living in residential care for
older people in 2013 and 2006. However, due to data quality issues we have not
compared the number of people living in residential and community care facilities,
boarding houses, or hotels, motels, and other guest accommodation in 2013 with 2006.

7

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

2.3 percent of population living in non-private and
alternative dwellings in 2013
Of the 4,242,048 people usually resident in New Zealand at the time of the 2013 Census,
98,397 people (2.3 percent) lived in non-private and alternative dwellings.
More than half the non-private dwellings were hotels, motels, or guest accommodation.
The category ‘residential care for older people’ had the highest number of usual residents
(31,899 people).
Table 1 shows the number of each type of non-private and alternative dwelling, and the
number of people living in each type of dwelling. Note that the number of dwellings in
some categories is believed to be an undercount1, so the number of people living in these
dwellings may also be an undercount.

1

The 2013 Census post-enumeration survey did not estimate the undercount for specific types of
dwellings. While we don’t know the exact numbers, we do know that it was harder to count some of
these type of dwellings, particularly boarding houses. It is hard to identify certain types of dwelling. For
example, it can be difficult to distinguish between boarding houses and private dwellings. Census
counted only a very small number of roofless or rough sleepers (six in Auckland and 27 nationally) owing
to difficulties in enumerating this very transient population.

8

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Table 1

1. Number of o ccup ied non-priv ate d wellings and other o ccup ied priv ate d wellings, and nu mb er of p eople living in th em, 2013 Cen su s

Number of occupied non-private dwellings and other occupied private
dwellings, and number of people living in them
2013 Census
Number
Type of dwelling
Dwellings

People(1)

Non-private dwelling
Residential care for older people

822

31,899

Public and private hospital

171

2,004

1,059

6,018

Educational institution

297

16,698

Defence establishment

24

1,761

Residential and community care
facilities

Prisons and penal institutions

42

4,257

129

1,533

4,866

11,589

174

2,718

1,008

2,196

144

405

8,739

81,078

Dwelling in a motor camp

2,556

4,059

Mobile dwelling not in a motor camp

5,586

8,412

Improvised dwelling or shelter

2,616

4,824

24

27

10,782

17,319

19,521

98,397

Other

institution(2)

Hotel, motel or guest
accommodation
Boarding house
Other occupied non-private
dwelling(3)
Occupied non-private dwelling not
further defined(4)
Total non-private dwellings
Other occupied private dwelling

Roofless or rough sleeper
Total other occupied private
dwellings
Total non-private dwellings and other
occupied private dwellings

1. For non-private dwellings, this is people in the dwelling on census night and stated that this
was their usual residence. It excluded people who usually lived in a non-private dwelling but were
absent on census night. For private dwellings, this is people who usually lived in the dwelling. It
includes people who were absent on census night.
2. Consists of welfare institution, religious institution, and night shelter.
3. Consists of motor camp/camping ground; work, construction or training camp; youth, school, or
scout/guide camp; communal staff quarters; commercial vessel; and marae complex.
4. Consists of communes and other non-private dwellings that could not be further classified
according to their type/function.
Source: Statistics New Zealand

9

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

People in non-private dwellings treemap, 2013 Census
The following image comes from the treemap available on our website.
Explore the interactive treemap about people in non-private dwellings to compare the
relative numbers of people living in each type of non-private dwelling.

See section 7 for a treemap about people living in occupied private dwellings.
Find more detailed data in NZ.Stat about people who lived in these dwellings, including
breakdowns by age and geographic location.

10

 2 People who live in residential care for older people
This section describes characteristics of people who lived in dwellings categorised as
‘residential care for older people’. Accommodation in this category includes dwellings
such as rest homes, continuing care hospitals, and dementia units. It excludes
independent self-care flats or houses within a retirement village or complex. These were
classified as private dwellings in the same way as other private dwellings, ie according to
whether they were separate or joined to other dwellings, and by the number of storeys.

Auckland region has the most people in residential
care for older people
In 2013, 31,899 people lived in residential care for older people in New Zealand, across
822 facilities. The number of people who lived in this type of dwelling increased by 14.1
percent since 2006, when there were 27,966 people.
The Auckland region had the largest number of people in residential care for older people
(8,535 people), followed by the Canterbury region (5,139) and the Wellington region
(3,381).

11

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Figure 1
1. D ensity map of people livi ng in resi denti al c are for ol der people in Auc kland l ocal boar d areas, 2013 Cens us

Density map of people living in residential care for older people in Auckland local
board areas
2013 Census

Within the Auckland local boards, Orākei and Albert-Eden had the most people living in
this type of dwelling (969 people and 945 people, respectively). In terms of density, the
Orākei local board area had the highest (33 people per square kilometre).
See the appendix for the data supporting this map.

12

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

More than two-thirds of people in residential care for
older people are female
In 2013, more than two-thirds of those who lived in residential care for older people were
female (68.1 percent).
Almost three-quarters of people who lived in residential care for older people were aged
80 years and over (80+) – 72.2 percent in 2013, up from 70.2 percent in 2006. However,
a small proportion were aged under 60 years (3.7 percent). This was a decrease from
2006, where 5.5 percent were aged under 60.
There were 231 people aged under 40 years living in residential care for older people –
0.7 percent of the total number of people living in this type of dwelling. This might indicate
a lack of access to other suitable accommodation for younger people who have
disabilities or need ongoing care. This number had dropped by more than half since 2006
(when it was 543).
Figure 2
2. Age group of people in r esi denti al c are for older people, 2006 and 2013 Cens us es

A closer look at the older people who lived in this type of dwelling shows that in 2013
compared with 2006 there were:
 lower proportions of people in the 75–79-year and 80–84-year age groups
 higher proportions of people in the three age groups above 84 years.
Table 2 shows the counts of people in the oldest age groups living in residential care for
older people.

13

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Table 2
2. Sel ected age groups for people li vi ng in resi denti al c are for ol der people, 2013 Cens us

Selected age groups for people living in residential care for older people
2006 and 2013 Censuses
Age group (years)

2006 Census

2013 Census

85–89

6,858

8,307

90–94

5,055

6,090

95+

1,935

2,526

Source: Statistics New Zealand

The percentage of the total population who lived in residential care for older people
increased with each age group, to reach just over 50 percent of people aged 95 years
and older. From 2006 to 2013, the percentages generally fell for each age group.
However, the percentage of the total population who lived in residential care for older
people increased. This increase is because the older age groups grew much more
quickly than the total population did.
Figure 3
3. Perc entage of total popul ation, by ag e group, in resi denti al c are for ol der people, 2006 and 2013 C ens us es

1 in 7 people aged 80+ live in residential care for older
people
Similar proportions of the population aged 80+ lived in residential care for older people in
2013 and 2006 (14.9 percent in 2013, 15.2 percent in 2006).
At a regional level there were some marked differences. The regions with the highest
percentage of the population aged 80+ living in residential care for older people were:
 Nelson – at 20.5 percent
 Taranaki – at 17.5 percent.
Conversely, the West Coast region had the lowest proportion of people aged 80+ who
lived in care (11.6 percent in 2013).

14

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Most people in residential care for older people are
European
Most people who lived in residential care for older people were of European ethnicity
(92.5 percent in 2013). Amongst people aged 65+, Europeans were over-represented –
making up 93.4 percent of the 65+ population in this dwelling type, but only 87.8 percent
of New Zealand’s population aged 65+.
Conversely, the Māori, Pacific peoples, and Asian ethnic groups were under-represented
in this dwelling type in the 65+ age group. The differences between ethnic groups may
reflect different ways of caring for older people.
Note that people were able to identify with more than one ethnic group.
Table 3
3. Sel ected ethnic group (grouped total responses) for peopl e aged 65 years and over in resi denti al c are for ol der people , 2013 Cens us

Selected ethnic group (grouped total responses)(1) for people aged 65 years
and over in residential care for older people
2013 Census
Ethnic group (grouped total
responses)

People aged 65 and over living in
residential care for older people

Total population aged 65 and over

European

93.4

87.8

Māori

3.3

5.6

Pacific peoples

1.5

2.4

Asian

2.1

4.7

1. People reporting more than one ethnic group were counted in each stated category. Therefore percentages do not
add up to 100.
Source: Statistics New Zealand

The Auckland region had a higher proportion of Pacific and Asian people living in
residential care for older people, compared with the national figures. Pacific peoples
made up 4.5 percent of total people living in residential care in Auckland, compared with
1.7 percent in residential care nationally. The Asian ethnic group made up 5.9 percent of
people living in residential care in Auckland, compared with 2.3 percent in residential care
nationally.

Less than five years most common time living in
residential care for older people
More than three-quarters of people in residential care for older people had lived in their
current residence for less than five years (79.0 percent in 2013). Almost half had lived
there for one to four years.

15

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Figure 4
4. Years at us ual resi denc e for people in r esi denti al c are for older people, 2013 Cens us

More than half of those in residential care for older
people are widowed
In 2013 more than half the people (60.4 percent) who lived in residential care for older
people were widowed, or surviving partners of a civil union. This reflects the older age
structure of the people living there, and perhaps the circumstances that led to them
moving into a care facility. In the general population, 24.9 percent of all people aged 65+
were widowed or surviving civil union partners. This compares with 63.8 percent of those
aged 65+ who lived in this type of dwelling.
Almost 1 in 5 people who lived in residential care for older people were married (18.8
percent). Note that 21.5 percent of people who lived in these facilities did not state their
relationship status. These figures were similar in 2006.

4 in 5 people in residential care for older people
received superannuation or veterans pension
In 2013, most of the people who lived in residential care for older people received income
from New Zealand Superannuation or a veterans pension (81.5 percent). The next-most
common source of income was interest, dividends, rent, and other investments (19.0
percent in 2013). These figures were similar in 2006.
Close to half of the people who lived in these dwellings in 2013 and stated their income
said they received between $10,001 and $20,000 over the year. However, 39.3 percent
of people who lived in this type of dwelling did not state their income. Note that people
can have more than one source of income.
See 2013 Census QuickStats about people aged 65 and over for more information from
the 2013 Census about people in older age groups.

16

 3 People who live in residential and community care
facilities
Residential and community care facilities provide supported housing for people in the
community. They include dwellings such as those that provide care for people with
disabilities, group homes (such as IHC group homes), and halfway houses.

Over 6,000 people in residential and community care
facilities in 2013
In 2013, 6,018 people lived in 1,059 residential and community care facilities in New
Zealand. More than one-quarter of people (26.9 percent) lived in the Auckland region.

Over half of those in residential and community care
facilities are aged 40–64 years
More than half the people who lived in residential and community care were aged 40 to
64 years (52.7 percent). A small number were aged under 15 years. The age distribution
of people who lived in these dwellings was quite different to that of the total population,
with a higher concentration of people aged between 40 and 60 years.
Three-fifths of people who lived in residential and community care were male (59.3
percent), while males made up less than half (48.7 percent) of the total New Zealand
population.
Figure 5
5. Age group for people i n r esidential and c ommunity car e facilities, 2013 C ens us

17

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Most people living in residential and community care
facilities are European
In 2013, most people who lived in residential and community care facilities identified as
European (79.9 percent). This proportion was higher than that in the total population
(74.0 percent).
The percentage of people who lived in these dwellings identifying as Asian was much
lower than in the total population (2.5 percent, compared with 11.8 percent). The lower
percentage of Asian people in residential and community care may be partly explained by
the relatively high percentage of Asian people in the 20–24-year age group – an age
group with relatively few people in residential and community care.
Figure 6
6. Sel ected ethnic group for people in r esidenti al and c ommunity car e faciliti es, 2013 C ensus

Longer stays common among people in residential and
community care facilities
In 2013, almost one-quarter (23.6 percent) of people who lived in residential and
community care had lived there for less than one year. Just over one-quarter (28.1
percent) had lived there for one to four years, and another one-quarter (25.0 percent)
were longer-term residents, having lived there for five to nine years.

Most people in residential and community care facilities
not partnered, never married
The majority of people aged 15 years and over who lived in residential and community
care facilities were not partnered (97.0 percent). Most people living in this type of dwelling
had never been married or in a civil union (87.8 percent). This proportion was much
higher than that for the total New Zealand population, of whom 35.0 percent had never
been married or in a civil union in 2013.

18

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

People in residential and community care facilities four
times more likely to have no qualifications
In 2013, most people aged 15 years and over who lived in residential and community
care facilities had no qualification (81.1 percent). This was almost four times higher than
the proportion for the general population.
People who lived in these dwellings were much less likely than the general population to
have achieved a bachelor’s degree and level seven qualification or higher (2.8 percent,
compared with 20.0 percent of the general population).
Figure 7
7. Highes t qualification for people in r esidential and c ommunity car e facilities, 2013 C ensus

Most people in residential and community care not in
labour force
In 2013, the majority of people aged 15 years and over who lived in residential and
community care were not in the labour force (84.9 percent). This proportion was much
higher than that for adults in the total New Zealand population (32.9 percent). A small
proportion of those who lived in these dwellings were working full- or part-time (12.2
percent).

19

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Table 4
4. Wor k and l abour force status for people in r esidential and c ommunity car e facilities, 2013 C ensus

Work and labour force status(1)(2) for people in residential and community care
facilities
2013 Census
People living in residential and
community care facilities (%)

Total population (%)

Employed full-time

5.4

48.0

Employed part-time

6.8

14.3

Unemployed

2.8

4.8

Not in the labour force

84.9

32.9

Work and labour force status

1. For people aged 15 years and over.
2. A person's work and labour force status in the seven days ending 3 March 2013.
Source: Statistics New Zealand

Two-thirds of people in residential and community care
receive invalids benefit
The most common source of income for people who lived in residential and community
care was an invalids benefit (66.0 percent). This proportion was much higher than that for
the general population, of whom only 2.4 percent received an invalids benefit.
The second-most common source of income for people who lived in these dwellings was
a sickness benefit (10.3 percent). This was also much higher than for the general
population (2.5 percent).

Income distribution different for people in residential
and community care
As would be expected with such a high proportion of residential and community care
residents receiving government benefits, the income distribution was considerably
different from that of the total population. Personal income for people who lived in these
dwellings was concentrated in the $10,001–$20,000 category. This is consistent with their
most common sources of income: invalids or sickness benefits.

20

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Figure 8
8. Grouped total pers onal i nc ome for peopl e in resi denti al and c ommunity c are facilities, 2013 Cens us

21

 4 People who live in boarding houses
A boarding house is defined as a dwelling that is mainly intended for boarders, has
lockable bedrooms that are rented by the room, has communal facilities, and can
accommodate six or more boarders. Data about people living in boarding houses should
be interpreted with care, as there were some issues with identifying and classifying
dwellings in this category.
We counted 174 boarding houses in the 2013 Census. This is believed to be an
undercount, due to the difficulties in identifying this type of dwelling. Some boarding
houses can be suburban houses with no signage, or can look (or sound) like guest
accommodation from the name. However, their purpose and standard of accommodation
can be very different from guest accommodation.
Research has shown that the key reasons people live in boarding houses include a lack
of affordable housing (especially for un-partnered people), debt, and housing
discrimination (Aspinall, 2013).

More than 2,500 people living in boarding houses in
2013
In 2013, 2,718 people lived in boarding houses across New Zealand. Two-thirds of these
residents were male. Half of all boarding house residents lived in Auckland (1,362).
Within Auckland, the highest numbers of people living in boarding houses were in the
local boards of Mangere-Otahuhu (456), Albert-Eden (357), and Waitemata (207).
Outside Auckland, the highest numbers of people living in boarding houses were in
Wellington city (348 people), Christchurch city (297), and Dunedin city (237).

Boarding house residents most likely to be aged 30–64
years
More than half of the residents in boarding houses were aged 30–64 years (57.6
percent), which was higher than the proportion of New Zealand’s population in this age
group (45.4 percent). Almost one-third of the people who lived in boarding houses were
aged 15–29 years (30.7 percent), again higher than the proportion of the general
population in this age group (19.9 percent). There were also 126 people aged under 15
years living in boarding houses, with more than half of them living in Auckland.

22

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Figure 9
9. Age group for people i n boar ding hous es, 2013 C ensus

Higher proportions of Māori, Pacific peoples, and Asian
ethnic groups in boarding houses
A higher proportion of boarding house residents in 2013 identified with the Māori, Pacific
peoples, or Asian ethnic groups, compared with the proportions of these ethnicities in the
general population. The largest differences were for people identifying as Pacific peoples
or Asian.
The percentage of people identifying as European was much lower than in the total
population.

23

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Figure 10
10. Sel ected ethnic group for peopl e i n boardi ng houses, 2013 C ensus

Around half of boarding house residents have lived
there less than one year
In 2013, around half of boarding house residents (52.4 percent) had lived there for less
than one year. A further 30.7 percent had lived there for one to four years.
Figure 11
11. Years at us ual r esi denc e for people i n boardi ng hous es, 2013 C ensus

24

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Higher percentage of boarding house residents
unemployed
In 2013, boarding house residents were more likely to be unemployed (14.4 percent) than
were people in the total New Zealand population (4.8 percent).
More than half of those aged 15 years and over who lived in a boarding house were
employed, with 38.2 percent employed full-time.
Figure 12
12. Wor k and labour forc e s tatus for peopl e i n boardi ng houses, 2006 and 2013 C ensus es

The labour force characteristics of people in boarding houses has changed over time. In
2013, a higher proportion were in the labour force (ie either employed or looking for work)
than in 2006.
There may also be a regional effect, for example, people in Christchurch boarding houses
had higher rates of full-time employment than in other cities. In addition, pressure on
accommodation in Christchurch after the earthquakes has resulted in increased demand
for boarding house accommodation by people on higher incomes than previously
(Goodyear, 2014).
Be cautious when analysing the time series data, as there have been some changes in
the way dwelling types have been enumerated over time.

25

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Income of boarding house residents lower
Figure 13
13. Gr ouped total pers onal income for people in boar ding hous es, 2013 C ens us

The income distribution of boarding house residents was quite different, with higher
proportions of people on relatively lower incomes than in the general population. A high
percentage of people in boarding houses did not state their income in 2013 (22.2
percent), so this data may not be completely representative of the income levels of
people living in boarding houses.
In 2013, the most common source of income for people who lived in boarding houses
was wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses (54.6 percent). This increased from 43.2
percent in 2006, and supports the finding that more people who lived in boarding houses
were in the labour force than previously.

26

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Figure 14
14. Sources of pers onal i nc ome for peopl e in boardi ng houses , 2006 and 2013 C ens us es

The next-most common sources of income in 2013 were the unemployment benefit (14.9
percent) and the sickness benefit (13.2 percent). The percentage of boarding house
residents receiving an invalids benefit fell by more than half between 2006 and 2013.

4 in 5 boarding house residents not partnered
Most boarding house residents were not partnered (83.0 percent). This figure was much
higher than that for the total New Zealand population, of whom 39.4 percent were not
partnered.

27

 5 People who live in hotels, motels, and guest
accommodation
This section describes the characteristics of people who were classified as usually living
in a hotel, motel, or guest accommodation. The category of ‘hotel, motel, or guest
accommodation’ includes dwellings such as backpackers’ hostels, and bed and breakfast
accommodation. Some hotels, motels, and guest accommodation offer both short- and
long-term accommodation options, and some are aimed at students as well as people
travelling. This means that students and seasonal workers can be living in hotels, motels,
and guest accommodation.
Data about people who lived in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation should be
interpreted with caution, as there were some issues with identifying and classifying
dwellings in this category. For example, some boarding houses can look (or sound) like
guest accommodation from their name.

Over 11,000 people live in hotels, motels, and guest
accommodation
In 2013, 11,589 people lived in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation. More than
one-third of these people were in the Auckland region (37.0 percent). Within Auckland,
half the people in this type of accommodation lived in the Waitemata local board area.
This area includes the Auckland central business district and residential suburbs in the
inner city.

Higher proportion of people in their 20s living in hotels,
motels, and guest accommodation
More than one-quarter of people who lived in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation
were aged 20–29 years (28.5 percent). The proportion of people in their 20s was much
higher than in the general population, of whom 12.9 percent were aged 20–29 years.
Almost two-thirds of people who lived in this type of dwelling were male (61.1 percent).

28

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Figure 15
15. Ag e group for peopl e i n hotels, motels , and gues t accommodation, 2013 C ensus

Around half the residents of hotels, motels, and guest
accommodation born overseas
Around half of the people (49.8 percent) who lived in hotels, motels, and guest
accommodation in 2013 were born overseas. This was quite different to the general New
Zealand population – one-quarter (25.2 percent) of whom were born overseas.
People in their 20s who lived in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation were much
more likely to be overseas-born than other people who lived in this type of
accommodation, with almost three-quarters of those aged 20–29 years born overseas
(71.5 percent).

29

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Table 5
5. Age group and birthpl ace for peopl e li ving i n hotels , motels, and g uest acc ommodation, 2013 Cens us

Age group and birthplace for people living in hotels, motels, and guest
accommodation
2013 Census
Birthplace
Age group (years)

Percentage born overseas
Number born in New
Zealand

Number born overseas

Less than 10

183

75

29.1

10–19

600

375

38.5

20–29

915

2,295

71.5

30–39

666

1,119

62.6

40–49

945

597

38.7

50–59

1,077

513

32.3

60–69

822

405

33.1

381

171

31.1

5,592

5,550

49.8

70+
Total people stated
Source: Statistics New Zealand

Higher proportion of Asian people living in hotels,
motels, and guest accommodation
Of people living in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation in 2013, the percentage who
identified with an Asian ethnicity was about twice as high as in the total population.
Most people who lived in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation identified as
European. However, this proportion was lower than the proportion of Europeans in the
New Zealand population as a whole (see figure 16).
Figure 16
16. Sel ected ethnic group for peopl e i n hotel, motels , and gues t accommodation, 2013 C ensus

30

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Hotels, motels, and guest accommodation a short-term
option for many
Approximately half of the people who lived in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation
had lived there for less than one year (52.9 percent). The next-most common length of
usual residence was one to four years (25.0 percent).

Two-thirds of those living in hotels, motels, and guest
accommodation not partnered
Two-thirds of people living in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation in 2013 were not
partnered (67.1 percent). A much lower proportion of people were not partnered in the
total New Zealand population (39.4 percent). This could be partly due to the younger age
structure of the people living in this type of accommodation.

People living in hotels, motels, and guest
accommodation more likely to be studying
In 2013, 21.3 percent of people aged 15 years and over who lived in hotels, motels, and
guest accommodation were participating in study (including part-time and full-time study).
This was higher than study participation in the general New Zealand population (14.9
percent were studying in 2013).
Study participation was more common amongst young people, and declined as age
increased. Table 6 shows that the vast majority of people aged 15–19 years who lived in
hotels, motels, and guest accommodation were participating in study.
Table 6
6. Sel ected age groups of thos e studying, for peopl e li ving i n hotels , motels, and g uest acc ommodation, 2013 C ens us

Selected age groups of those studying,(1)(2) for people living in hotels, motels,
and guest accommodation
2013 Census
Age group (years)

Number

Percent

15–19

498

73.1

20–24

615

45.5

25–29

306

23.5

30–34

168

19.1

1,944

21.3

Total people studying
1. For people aged 15 years and over.
2. Includes full-time and part-time study participation.
Source: Statistics New Zealand

Almost half the people living in hotels, motels, and
guest accommodation working full-time
In 2013, almost half of the people who lived in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation
were working full-time (45.5 percent). This was similar to the general New Zealand
population (48.0 percent of whom worked full-time).

31

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

A further 12.1 percent of people who lived in this type of accommodation were working
part-time. One-third were not in the labour force (ie not employed, but not looking for
work). A higher proportion of people living in these dwellings were unemployed,
compared with the general New Zealand population (9.4 percent, compared with 4.8
percent for the total population).

People living in hotels, motels, and guest
accommodation more likely than total population to be
labourers, less likely to be professionals
A high percentage of employed adults (aged 15 years and over) who lived in hotels,
motels, and guest accommodation were employed as labourers, compared with the total
population. A lower proportion were employed as professionals.
The most common occupation group for people living in these dwellings – managers, at
22.8 percent – was also higher.
Figure 17
17. Occupation for people in hotels, motels, and guest acc ommodati on, 2013 Cens us

32

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Income lower for those living in hotels, motels, and
guest accommodation
People who lived in hotels, motels, and guest accommodation were more likely to have a
lower personal income than the general New Zealand population. A much lower
proportion of people in this type of dwelling had an income of $50,000 or more (15.4
percent) than in the general New Zealand population (26.7 percent).
Figure 18
18. Gr ouped total pers onal income for people in hotels, motels, and guest acc ommodati on, 2013 Cens us

33

 6 People who live in prisons and penal institutions
This section describes the characteristics of people who lived in prisons and penal
institutions. The category ‘prisons or penal institutions’ includes prisons, youth correction
institutions, and remand centres. It is limited to people who were in a prison or penal
institution on census night, and stated that this was where they usually resided. In the
prison context, these are people who were likely to be sentenced prisoners, especially
those with relatively long prison sentences.
Be cautious when interpreting data from the census about people who live in prisons and
penal institutions, as the level of non-response for some variables was high, including
highest qualification and relationship status.
The Department of Corrections (Corrections) also collects statistics about people in
prisons, and publishes a two-yearly ‘Offender Population Report’. Be cautious when
comparing data, as Corrections data on offenders is sourced from the department’s
operational data systems and is collected primarily for operational rather than statistical
purposes. There are also differences in the type of data collected – eg Corrections
records only one ethnicity for each person, while the census collects multiple ethnicities.
See NZ.Stat for annual data from Corrections on the prisoner population

Over 4,000 people in prisons and penal institutions
In 2013, 4,257 people lived in 42 prisons or penal institutions across New Zealand. The
Waikato region accounted for 26.7 percent of people who lived in prisons or penal
institutions. Two of the country’s largest correctional facilities are in Waikato (Spring Hill
Corrections Facility and Waikeria Prison).

9 in 10 people in prisons and penal institutions are
male
Most of the 4,257 people living in prisons and penal institutions were male, at 93.8
percent (3,993 people). This proportion aligns with Corrections data on the prisonsentenced population (Department of Corrections, 2013). The proportion of males who
lived in this type of dwelling was almost double the proportion of males in the general
New Zealand population (48.7 percent). There were 261 females living in prisons and
penal institutions.
Two-thirds of people who lived in these dwellings were in the 20–44-year age group (66.5
percent). This was similar for men and women, and was double the proportion of this age
group in the total New Zealand population (32.5 percent).

34

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Figure 19
19. Ag e group for peopl e i n pris ons or penal i nsti tutions, 2013 C ensus

Māori make up almost half the people in prisons and
penal institutions
Almost half the people who lived in prisons and penal institutions identified as Māori (47.9
percent). This was more than three times the proportion of people who identified as Māori
in the general population, and was similar to Corrections data for the percentage of
people who identified as Māori (Department of Corrections, 2013).
A lower proportion of people who lived in prisons and penal institutions identified as
European than in the total population (45.5 percent, compared with 74.0 percent).
Table 7
7. Sel ected ethnic group (grouped total responses) for peopl e li ving i n prisons and penal i nstituti ons , 2013 C ens us

Selected ethnic group (grouped total responses)(1) for people living in prisons
and penal institutions
2013 Census
Ethnic group (grouped total
responses)

Number

Percent

European

1,503

45.5

Māori

1,581

47.9

Pacific peoples

516

15.6

Asian

147

4.5

1. People reporting more than one ethnic group were counted in each stated category. Therefore percentages do not
add up to 100.
Source: Statistics New Zealand

35

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Half of those in prisons and penal institutions have no
qualification
Of those who answered the qualifications question in the census, almost half stated they
had no qualification (49.2 percent). However, a high proportion of people (46.1 percent)
who lived in these dwellings did not state their highest qualification. Corrections also
noted a low response rate in their data on highest qualification. The proportion of people
with no qualification was much higher than in the general population (20.9 percent), and
aligns with Corrections data from 2008 which stated that 52 percent of prisoners reported
they had no formal qualifications (Corrections, 2009).
A much lower proportion of people who lived in prisons and penal institutions had
achieved a bachelor’s degree and level seven or higher qualification, compared with the
general population.
Figure 20
20. Highest q ualific ati on for peopl e i n prisons or penal ins titutions, 2013 C ens us

People identifying as Māori were the most likely ethnic group in prisons and penal
institutions to have no qualification (56.1 percent). They were also more likely than Māori
in the general population to have no qualification (33.3 percent of Māori in the general
population had no qualification in 2013).
The Department of Corrections conducted research in 2012–13 on the literacy and
numeracy capability of prisoners. It showed that 71 percent of prisoners had literacy
levels that could be characterised as “below the level at which a person is able to cope
with the demands of everyday life and work in a complex, advanced society” (Bowman,
2014).

36

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Most people in prisons and penal institutions never
married
Most people living in prisons and penal institutions who provided relationship information
had never been married or in a civil union (69.8 percent). This was much higher than for
the New Zealand population (35.0 percent).
Note that a high percentage (48.0 percent) of all people who lived in prisons and penal
institutions did not state their relationship status.
A small percentage of people who lived in these dwellings were married.
Table 8
8. Legall y registered r elations hip s tatus for peopl e li vi ng in prisons and penal i nsti tutions, 2013 C ensus

Legally registered relationship status(1) for people living in prisons and penal
institutions
2013 Census
Legally registered relationship status

Number

Percent

Married (not separated)

177

8.1

Separated

168

7.7

Divorced or dissolved

273

12.4

Widowed or surviving civil union
partner

45

2.1

Never married and never in a civil
union

1,530

69.8

Total people stated

2,193

100.0

1. For people aged 15 years and over.
Source: Statistics New Zealand

Women in prisons and penal institutions more likely
than women in total population to have had children
In 2013, 261 women lived in prisons and penal institutions. These women were more
likely than those in the general population to have given birth to children. They were also
more than twice as likely to have given birth to four or more children, compared with the
general population (see table 9).

37

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Table 9
9. N umber of chil dren bor n alive for women li ving in pris ons and penal institutions , 2013 Cens us

Number of children born alive(1) for women living in prisons and penal
institutions
2013 Census
Number

Percent(2)

None

36

20.7

One

27

15.5

Two

24

13.8

Three

21

12.1

Four or more

48

27.6

Object to answering

12

6.9

Total people stated

174

100.0

Number of children born alive

1. For women aged 15 years and over.
2. The accuracy of percentages may be affected by the random rounding of the data, particularly for categories with
small populations.
Source: Statistics New Zealand

Note that these figures relate to relatively small numbers of women, and 6.9 percent of
women living in prisons and penal institutions objected to answering how many children
they had given birth to (compared with 2.8 percent nationally). One-third (33.3 percent) of
all women living in this type of dwelling did not respond to the question.

38

 7 People who live in other occupied private dwellings
This section describes what the 2013 Census tells us about the people who usually live in
what we classify as ‘other occupied private dwellings’ – herein referred to as alternative
private dwellings. This category comprises dwellings in a motor camp, mobile dwellings
not in a motor camp, improvised dwellings or shelters, and roofless or rough sleepers.
People who happened to be in these types of dwellings on census night only have been
excluded.
Improvised dwellings or shelters are structures that are not necessarily erected for human
habitation but are occupied. They lack amenities such as lighting, a bathroom, and
cooking facilities. For example, shacks, garages, and private vehicles other than those
designed as, or converted into, dwellings.
Not all people who lived in alternative private dwellings were doing so because they were
deprived of something that would have given them access to more conventional housing
(houses, units, or apartments). Some people, such as ‘grey nomads’ (older people who
live and travel in a mobile dwelling), may have chosen dwellings to suit their lifestyle.
Nonetheless, people who lived in alternative private dwellings reported relatively low
levels of income, qualification, and employment.

Over 17,000 people in alternative private dwellings in
2013
In 2013, there were 17,319 people living in alternative private dwellings. Note an
additional 885 people stated their usual residence was in a non-private motor camp
complex. There was no clear difference in the characteristics of people who lived in a
non-private dwelling in a motor camp complex and people who lived in private dwellings
in motor camps, except that people living in the non-private dwellings were almost twice
as likely to have lived there for less than one year.
Our interactive People in occupied dwellings treemap provides a way of viewing the
number and proportion of people who lived in the different types of private dwellings,
including the four types of alternative private dwellings. It shows that the vast majority of
people in private dwellings lived in separate (ie not joined to another) houses, or in
apartments.

39

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

People in occupied private dwellings treemap, 2013 Census
The following image comes from the treemap available on our website.
Explore the interactive treemap about people in occupied private dwellings to compare
the numbers of people living in the different types of occupied private dwellings.

Given that very few people were classified as roofless or rough sleepers (only 27
nationally), we have combined this category with improvised dwelling or shelter in the
analysis that follows.
We have compared selected characteristics for people, families, and households in
alternative private dwellings with the total population who lived in what we classify as
‘occupied private dwellings’ – herein referred to as private dwellings.

People in alternative private dwellings tend to be older
People who lived in alternative private dwellings tended to be older. The median age of
people who lived in alternative private dwellings (48.2 years) was higher than the median
age of total people who lived in all private dwellings (37.6 years). The percentage of
people living in alternative private dwellings and under the age of 15 years was almost
half that of the total people living in private dwellings – 13.0 percent (or 2,256 people),
compared with 20.9 percent (864,285 people).

People in alternative private dwellings less likely to live
with partners
People who lived in alternative private dwellings were less likely to be partnered, and
more likely to have separated or divorced, than the people in total private dwellings. The
percentage of people who lived in alternative private dwellings who were partnered was
53.2 percent (or 7,446 people), compared with 61.7 percent (or 1,849,149 people) of
those who lived in total private dwellings.
Of people who lived in alternative private dwellings, 5.4 percent (or 756 people) were not
partnered and had separated, and 11.1 percent (or 1,554 people) had divorced. This is
compared with 2.5 percent (75,582 people) and 4.9 percent (145,530 people),
respectively, for total people living in private dwellings.

40

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

High proportions of European and Māori in alternative
private dwellings
The proportions of people from different ethnic groups who lived in alternative private
dwellings were similar to those in total private dwellings. More than three-quarters (76.5
percent, or 12,558 people) of those who lived in alternative private dwellings were of
European ethnicity. In comparison, 73.8 percent (or 2,821,353) of people who lived in
total private dwellings were of European ethnicity.
Relatively high percentages of people identifying with European or Māori ethnic groups
lived in alternative private dwellings, compared with the percentages in total private
dwellings. In particular, the share of Māori who lived in improvised dwellings or shelter
and roofless and rough sleepers was 8.3 percentage points higher than that of Māori in
total private dwellings – 23.2 percent (or 1,080 people), compared with 14.9 percent (or
568,587 people).
People who identified with the Asian ethnic group made up only 6.5 percent (or 1,074
people) of the people who lived in alternative private dwellings – compared with 12.0
percent (or 457,314 people) of those in total private dwellings. The proportion of Pacific
people who lived in alternative private dwellings (5.4 percent, or 882 people) was only
slightly less than that in total private dwellings (7.4 percent, or 284,454 people).

People in alternative private dwellings less likely to
have formal qualifications
Of the people who lived in alternative private dwellings, a higher proportion (32.8 percent,
or 4,278 people) had no formal qualification, compared with total people who lived in
private dwellings (20.7 percent, or 590,778 people).
The percentages of people with a level 1, 2, 3, 4 certificate, or overseas secondary
school qualification as their highest qualification were similar for both groups – close to 50
percent.
Of the people who lived in alternative private dwellings, 10.9 percent (1,425 people) had
a bachelor’s degree and level 7, or higher qualification, compared with 20.3 percent
(578,205 people) of total people in private dwellings.

41

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Figure 21
21. Highest q ualific ati on for peopl e i n alter nati ve pri vate dwelli ngs, 2013 C ens us

People in alternative private dwellings have lower
incomes
Generally, people who lived in alternative private dwellings had lower incomes than the
total population in private dwellings. The median income was 75.2 percent ($21,800) of
the median income for the wider population ($29,000).
As shown in figure 22, people who lived in alternative private dwellings tended to have a
greater concentration around $10,001–15,000. They had a less even spread across
different income bands than people who lived in total private dwellings.

42

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Figure 22
22. T otal pers onal i ncome for people livi ng in al ter nati ve pri vate dwellings, 2013 Cens us

Employment and unemployment rates for people in
alternative private dwellings similar to wider population
People who lived in alternative private dwellings had similar work and labour force status
characteristics to the total people living in private dwellings. For example, 43.8 percent (or
6,369 people) of those who lived in alternative private dwellings were employed full-time.
This is compared with 48.9 percent of total people (or 1,487,808 people) living in private
dwellings.

43

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Figure 23
23. Wor k and labour forc e s tatus for peopl e i n alter nati ve pri vate dwelli ngs, 2013 Cens us

Alternative private dwellings: more one-person
households and fewer households with children
There were some marked differences in household composition between households in
alternative private dwellings and total private dwellings. A lower proportion of households
in alternative private dwellings comprised families (for all family types except couples
only). Over half (51.6 percent, or 4,878 households) of the households in alternative
private dwellings were one-person households, compared with less than one-quarter
(23.5 percent, or 355,242 households) of those in total private dwellings.

44

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Figure 24
24. H ous ehol d c ompositi on for alter nati ve pri vate dwellings , 2013 Cens us

Over one-quarter of households in alternative private
dwellings use bottled gas for heating
Bottled gas was a more common form of heating for households living in alternative
private dwellings than for total households in all private dwellings. Bottled gas was used
by:
 28.0 percent (or 2,541 households) of households in alternative private dwellings
 15.4 percent (or 226,311 households) of those in all private dwellings.
Electricity was the most common heating fuel used by households in alternative private
dwellings (at 67.1 percent, or 6,084 households). However, the proportion using it was
almost 15 percentage points lower than that for total households in all private dwellings
(79.2 percent, or 1,161,150 households).
Solar power was more likely to be used for heating by households in alternative private
dwellings than by households in all private dwellings. Solar power was used by:
 3.1 percent (or 279 households) of those in alternative private dwellings
 1.6 percent (or 23,214 households) of those in all private dwellings.
Similarly, other fuels (including diesel/petrol, geothermal, wind, and water) were a more
common form of heating in alternative private dwellings. These fuels were used by:
 4.6 percent (or 417 households) of households in alternative private dwellings
 1.6 percent (or 22,854 households) of households in all private dwellings.
No heating fuels were used in 9.1 percent (828 households) of households living in
alternative private dwellings. This is compared with 3.0 percent (43,782 households) of
total households in private dwellings.

45

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Definitions and information about the data
Definitions
For further information about classifications see Classifications and related statistical
standards
Alternative private dwellings: see ‘Other occupied private dwellings’.
Boarding house: a dwelling mainly intended for boarders. It has lockable bedrooms
rented by the room, communal facilities, and can accommodate six or more boarders.
Hotels, motels, and guest accommodation: includes dwellings such as backpackers’
hostels, and bed and breakfast accommodation. Some offer both short- and long-term
accommodation options, and some are aimed at students as well as people travelling.
Other occupied private dwellings: includes dwellings in motor camps, mobile dwellings
not in motor camps, improvised dwellings or shelters, and roofless or rough sleepers. The
improvised dwelling category includes garages, cars, sleep-outs, etc.
Prisons and penal institutions: includes prisons, youth correctional institutions, and
remand centres.
Private dwellings: see ‘Occupied private dwellings’.
Occupied private dwellings: includes all private occupied dwellings in New Zealand on
a given census night. This count includes private occupied dwellings both permanent and
temporary). This count excludes non-private dwellings, unoccupied dwellings, and
dwellings under construction.
Residential and community care facilities: facilities that provide supported housing for
people in the community. They include dwellings which provide care for people with
disabilities, group homes (eg IHC group homes), and halfway houses.
Residential care for older people: includes dwellings such as rest homes, continuing
care hospitals, and dementia units. This category excludes independent self-care flats
and houses within a retirement village or complex.

Information about the data
Comparability with past censuses
Because the 2011 Census was cancelled after the Canterbury earthquake on 22
February 2011, the gap between the 2013 Census and the last one is seven years. The
change in the data between 2006 and 2013 may be greater than in the usual five-year
gap between censuses. Be careful when comparing trends.
As noted in the introduction section, we have included a comparison of the number of
people living in residential care for older people in 2013 and 2006. However, we have not
compared the number of people living in residential and community care facilities,
boarding houses, or hotels, motels and other guest accommodation in 2013 with 2006
due to data quality issues.

Calculation of percentages
Unless otherwise stated, all percentages and ratios in this report exclude responses that
cannot be classified (eg 'not stated', 'work and labour force status unidentifiable').

46

 Living outside the norm: An analysis of people living in temporary and communal dwellings,
2013 Census

Confidentiality
The data in this report has been randomly rounded to protect confidentiality. Individual
figures may not add up to totals, and values for the same data may vary in different
tables.

47

 References
Aspinall, CE (2013). Anyone can live in a boarding house can’t they? The advantages
and disadvantages of boarding house residence. Thesis, Master of Public Health,
University of Otago. Available from http://hdl.handle.net/10523/3818
Bowman, J (2014). Assessing the literacy and numeracy of prisoners. Practice – The
New Zealand Corrections Journal, volume 2, issue 1, April 2014, 39–41. Available from
www.corrections.govt.nz
Department of Corrections (2013). Offender Population Report 2013. Available from
www.corrections.govt.nz
Department of Corrections (2009). Prisoner Skills and Employment Strategy 2009–12.
Available from www.corrections.govt.nz
Goodyear, Rosemary (2014). Housing in greater Christchurch after the earthquakes.
Available from www.stats.govt.nz.

48

 Appendix
Residential care for older people: number of usual residents and land area for
Auckland local boards
2013 Census
Auckland local board area

Number of usual residents

Land area (sq km)

Rodney Local Board Area

219

2274.957879

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Area

726

110.0621458

Upper Harbour Local Board Area

390

69.73200901

Kaipatiki Local Board Area

555

33.83612139

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board
Area

327

20.0550869

Henderson-Massey Local Board
Area

549

53.21518312

Waitakere Ranges Local Board Area

..C

304.0309374

Great Barrier Local Board Area

..C

320.6614795

Waiheke Local Board Area

6

154.7550315

Waitemata Local Board Area

141

19.38626641

Whau Local Board Area

579

26.85444835

Albert-Eden Local Board Area

945

28.3422993

Puketapapa Local Board Area

453

18.71850595

Orakei Local Board Area

969

32.25535295

Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Board
Area

528

36.41637251

Howick Local Board Area

726

69.68693302

Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board Area

165

52.46744974

Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board Area

249

37.05761477

Manurewa Local Board Area

387

37.11852572

Papakura Local Board Area

360

40.71633729

Franklin Local Board Area

249

1197.516105

Symbol:
..C confidential
Source: Statistics New Zealand

49

 More information
 2013 Census
 2013 Census products and services release schedule
 2013 Census tables in NZ.Stat
 2013 Census information by variable
 2013 Census definitions and forms
 Classifications and related statistical standards
For more information contact our Information Centre:
Email: info@stats.govt.nz
Phone: 0508 525 525 (toll-free in New Zealand)
+64 4 931 4600 (outside New Zealand)

50

 List of available tables
The following tables are available in Excel format from the ‘Available files’ box on the
landing page of this report. If you have problems viewing the files, see opening files and
PDFs.
1. Non-private dwelling type by age group of usual residents, 2006 and 2013
Censuses
2. Non-private dwelling type by regional council area and sex of usual residents, 2013
Census
3. Non-private dwelling type and regional council area by ethnic group (grouped total
responses) of usual residents, 2013 Census
4. Non-private dwelling type by years at usual residence and sex of usual residents,
2013 Census
5. Non-private dwelling type and age group by legally registered relationship status of
usual residents, 2006 and 2013 Censuses
6. Non-private dwelling type by partnership status in current relationship of usual
residents, 2013 Census
7. Non-private dwelling type by grouped total personal income of usual residents,
2013 Census
8. Non-private dwelling type by sources of personal income of usual residents, 2006
and 2013 Censuses
9. Non-private dwelling type by highest qualification of usual residents, 2013 Census
10. Non-private dwelling type by work and labour force status of usual residents,
2006 and 2013 Censuses
11. Non-private dwelling type by occupation (ANZSCO major group) of usual
residents, 2013 Census
12. Prisons or penal institutions by highest qualification and ethnic group (grouped
total responses) of usual residents, 2013 Census
13. Private dwelling type by fuel type used to heat dwellings (total responses), 2013
Census
14. Private dwelling type by household composition, 2013 Census
15. Private dwelling type by total personal income of usual residents, 2013 Census
16. Private dwelling type by ethnic group (grouped total responses) of usual
residents, 2013 Census
17. Private dwelling type by highest qualification of usual residents, 2013 Census
18. Private dwelling type by age group of usual residents, 2013 Census
19. Private dwelling type by partnership status in current relationship of usual
residents, 2013 Census
20. Private dwelling type by work and labour force status of usual residents, 2013
Census

51