The 2018 Census is fast approaching, with letters due to start arriving at every household in New Zealand from 23 February.

This is New Zealand’s 34th census, and Stats NZ is running it differently.

“This time, we’re encouraging as many people as possible to take part online, on or before census day, which is Tuesday, 6 March,” 2018 Census General Manager Denise McGregor says.

“Instead of a census collector delivering paper forms before census day, and then returning to collect them after the day, we’re sending all households an access code letter. It contains all the information a household needs to take part in the census online.”

The access code can be used by everyone in a household.

Paper forms will still be available for those who prefer them. Once a household receives their letter, they can contact 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787) to request paper forms, which will be posted to them. Stats NZ will include a freepost envelope for them to be returned.

For the first time in the census, Stats NZ is asking everyone in New Zealand if their homes are damp or mouldy. This new topic, announced in mid-2017, will add to the picture of the state of homes around the country.

“The census provides a wealth of information for people to understand more about those of us who live in New Zealand, and to help make good decisions about where services are needed,” Mrs McGregor says.

More information

Information from the census helps determine how billions of dollars of government funding is spent across New Zealand. Because the information we collect is about everyone in New Zealand, it can be used to inform decisions and make plans about services and where they should be. Examples are: hospitals, kōhanga reo, schools, roads, and public transport. Councils, iwi, and businesses also use census information to help work out the core needs of their area or services.

Case studies about how census information is used.

The census is mandatory, and everyone in New Zealand on census day, including tourists and visitors, is required to take part.

Stats NZ is committed to keeping census information completely secure and confidential – privacy is important to us. We remove all names, addresses, and other identifiable information before we make data available to other government agencies for statistical and public interest research.

Find out more at www.census.govt.nz.

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