Census 2001 - Public Information Campaign Launched

Census 2001 - Public Information Campaign Launched: February 2001

Census 2001 - Public Information Campaign Launched

The Hon Laila Harré, Minister of Statistics, launched the 2001 Census public information campaign in Wellington today. The campaign's theme is: "A snapshot of who we are as New Zealanders".

"The aim of the campaign, which begins on 4 February, is to let people know important information about the 2001 Census of Population and Dwellings on 6 March. Information will be on television, radio and in newspapers", Government Statistician Brian Pink says.

People can learn: when the census is, why it is being held, why it is important that everyone takes part, and what census information is used for. There will also be information on such things as how to get a bilingual census form, what you should do if you are away from home on Census Night, and how to find out further information about the census.

The census is important as it is the only survey that covers the total population. Census information is used in decisions that affect every city, town, suburb, rural area and neighbourhood in New Zealand. Held five yearly, it enables population trends to be identified and services and facilities to be put in place to meet people's needs.

The information campaign celebrates the diversity of New Zealanders. It includes snapshots of New Zealanders going about their daily lives. The radio and television coverage uses the voices of ordinary New Zealanders to tell us about the census.

Those who attended the launch, held at the Museum of New Zealand: Te Papa Tongarewa, were treated to 1940s and contemporary film footage of New Zealanders, which illustrated how our society is changing.

This change is also reflected in the census questions, Mr Pink says. "From 1861 up until the 1971 censuses we asked how many chickens each household owned, a sharp contrast to this year's question about how many people have access to the Internet."

The provisonal count of New Zealand's population at 6 March 2001 will be announced in May this year.

Brian Pink Government Statistician END

© Scoop Media