Meshblock

Mesh blocks or meshblocks are a small geographic unit used in the census of several countries.

New Zealand

New Zealand's countrywide meshblock framework was first set up in 1976, although the term dates back to at least the 1916 Census. The meshblock pattern is updated each year. It comprised 41,376 meshblocks at the 2006 Census, increasing to 46,637 meshblocks in 2013.

Meshblocks are defined by Statistics New Zealand as being "the smallest geographic unit for which statistical data is collected and processed by Statistics New Zealand". It is a defined area, varying in size from part of a city block to large areas of rural land. Each of these borders another to form a network covering the whole country including inlets and coasts, and extending out to the 200 mile economic zone. Meshblocks are added together to "build up" larger geographic areas such as area units and urban areas. They are also used to draw up and define New Zealand electorates and local authority boundaries.

Australia