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Census 2023

Tuesday 07/02/2023

What is the census? The Census is a nationwide survey that provides an understanding of all the people in Aotearoa New Zealand and where they are living. 

What is the information used for? Stats NZ (Statistics New Zealand) takes the information from everyone's survey forms to produce a data set about the people, communities, homes, and economy for Aotearoa New Zealand. By doing the census, you are providing information about what you, your family, and your community need. By knowing these needs, government agencies, councils, iwi, community groups and businesses can plan how to respond to them.

Do I have to participate? Yes! By law, everyone must take part in the census. You can fill out the census online or on paper.

Information about the census is available in 27 different languages, in addition to English and te Reo Māori. Go to census.govt.nz and click on the ‘Languages’ button in the top right corner to find information in your language.

"Some types of information gathered by the census is the highest quality information we hold as a nation. It includes how our households and families are structured, changes to our cultural diversity, the qualifications we have, and how we travel to work and school. Knowing these things helps us understand how we, as a nation, are faring in many aspects of life and informs how billions of dollars are spent across the country and in our communities to make a difference to everyone’s future. " - census.govt.nz

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