A probabilistic online panel for New Zealand (POPNZ) Event as iCalendar

Dr Lara Greaves | University of Auckland

Currently, all of the online panels in New Zealand are commercially run and consist of convenience samples. In 2017, our interdisciplinary research group (including COMPASS and the Public Policy Institute) began to investigate the feasibility of creating a Probabilistic Online Panel for New Zealand (POPNZ). With POPNZ we aim to create a survey panel service that academics, government, and other appropriately qualified researchers conducting public good research can utilise to understand the opinions of a representative panel of New Zealanders. However, this has not been without its challenges as POPNZ is now at the pilot testing and development phase.

This seminar presents an overview of the POPNZ project including the rationale for starting POPNZ and the issues with sampling that we have faced along the way including the ability to access an appropriate, yet cost effective, sample frame. We also report on our consultation phase, the dismal failure of our first pilot study, progress on our second pilot study, and our proposed online panel methods including how we plan to incorporate the offline population and attempts to include Kaupapa Māori-inspired survey methods into the design of the panel.

The purpose of the seminar is to provide an update on the project, but I will also explore the broader theme of the issues in survey research in Aotearoa, and would love to hear your feedback on the panel.

Lara Greaves is a lecturer in New Zealand Politics and Public Policy at the University of Auckland. She studies politics, sex, ethnicity, and, most excitingly, surveys.