Census follow up starts

The 2013 Census is moving into a new phase as it starts a more targeted approach to gather in the remaining census forms.

“Statistics New Zealand’s team of 7000 collectors finished their rounds last Sunday, but a smaller team of up to 1000 collectors will now work in some parts of the country to revisit households that have not returned their forms,” General Manager of the 2013 Census Carol Slappendel said.

“These collectors can be identified by their yellow ID badges and blue census bags.

“You can avoid another visit from a collector by posting back your completed paper forms, or filling in your forms online. Please call 0800 CENSUS (0800 238 787) if you need an Internet Access Code, paper forms or freepost envelope. The helpline is open daily 8-5, including Easter weekend.

“Everyone who was in New Zealand on census night 5 March 2013 is required by law to complete a census form.

“The processing of forms will begin soon to tally the information that New Zealand needs to make decisions on health, education, roading and the Christchurch rebuild.”

“Well over five million census forms (individual and dwelling) have been collected so far. To those people who went online, handed their paper forms to a collector or mailed them back we want to say thank you.”

ENDS

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