In 2003–2005, Statistics New Zealand set about modernising the collection of Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS) interview data through computer assisted (face-to-face and telephone) interviewing. It was not a success.
A review of the project by John Smyrk in 2005 stated:1 •  “threats to the project were not identified”;  •  programs of pre-emptive and contingency actions were not assembled;  •  “things kept going wrong” for which there was no allowance in the plan.