This dataset is the definitive set of statistical area 2 (SA2) boundaries for 2020 as defined by Stats NZ. This version contains 2,255 SA2 categories.
SA2s were introduced as part of the Statistical Standard for Geographic Areas 2018 (SSGA2018) which replaced the New Zealand Standard Areas Classification (NZSAC1992). The SA2 geography replaces the (NZSAC1992) area unit geography.
SA2 is an output geography that provides higher aggregations of population data than can be provided at the statistical area 1 (SA1) level. The SA2 geography aims to reflect communities that interact together socially and economically. In populated areas, SA2s generally contain similar sized populations.
SA2s are built from SA1s and either define or aggregate to define urban rural areas, territorial authorities, and regional councils. SA2s in city council areas generally have a population of 2,000–4,000 residents while SA2s in district council areas generally have a population of 1,000–3,000 residents. In rural areas, many SA2s have fewer than 1,000 residents because they are in conservation areas or contain sparse populations that cover a large area.
Names are provided with and without tohutō/macrons. The name field without macrons is suffixed ‘ascii’.
This generalised version has been simplified for rapid drawing and is designed for thematic or web mapping purposes.
Digital boundary data became freely available on 1 July 2007.
