Tomorrow is census day

Tomorrow is census day. The day when every person in New Zealand must fill in a census form, or have one filled in for them.

General Manager 2013 Census Carol Slappendel says by now everyone should have their census forms.

“Statistics New Zealand’s census collectors have knocked on the doors of around 1.8 million homes in New Zealand.

“Our 7000 collectors have walked, driven and kayaked to find as many households as possible. They have also delivered forms to prisons, university hostels, hospitals, rest homes, boats, hotels and motels.

“In total we expect that the collectors will spend around 550,000 hours delivering and collecting census forms, in what is the largest government-run event this year.

“If you haven’t received your Internet Access Code or paper forms by now you should call 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787). The census is compulsory so it’s important that if you haven’t got an Internet Access Code and forms that you call us immediately so we can get them to you.”

If you are away from home but in New Zealand on census night just fill in an individual form at the place you are staying on census night. If you are overseas on census night you don’t have to do the census.

“It’s important not only that everyone takes part in the census tomorrow but also that everyone provides true and accurate information on their forms so that the best decisions based on census information can be made.

“Census information is used by businesses, councils, community groups and government to make decisions that affect us all.

“To ensure you are represented in the information that is used by those organisations to make decisions that affect you and your community you need to be included in the census.

“You can do your forms online or on paper, in English or Māori.”
For more about the 2013 Census see www.census.govt.nz.

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