Census 2023

Stats NZ is underwhelmed that just one million New Zealanders have filled in the census so far.

"We don't want to add an extra burden to them ... ["Still plenty of time for people to do their censuses" Deputy chief executive census and collections operations Simon Mason duration 4:40](/national/programmes/first-up/audio/2018880529/census-2023-stats-nz-making-big-effort-to-get-better-info) [Download](https://podcast.radionz.co.nz/firstup/firstup-20230306-0549-census_2023_stats_nz_making_big_effort_to_get_better_info-128.mp3) ["Still plenty of time for people to do their censuses" Deputy chief executive census and collections operations Simon Mason](/national/programmes/first-up/audio/2018880529/census-2023-stats-nz-making-big-effort-to-get-better-info) "[It's] good, we'd like to probably have seen a bit more... Other social media users were pointing out that it was an opportunity for citizens to tell the government what their situation was and to gain support for their needs. Sending a collector to somebody's house when they don't have a mailbox and they don't even have a house isn't the right thing to do and not the right experience for those New Zealanders who have been badly affected." Still plenty of time for people to do their censuses and there'll be time after that to submit it."

The country's biggest survey is underway with the official Census Day taking place tomorrow. Deputy chief executive census and collections operations Simon ...

"[It's] good, we'd like to probably have seen a bit more... Other social media users were pointing out that it was an opportunity for citizens to tell the government what their situation was and to gain support for their needs. "Sending a collector to somebody's house when they don't have a mailbox and they don't even have a house isn't the right thing to do and not the right experience for those New Zealanders who have been badly affected."

It helps the Government know who you are, where you are, and what resources your community needs. Census data is used to plan infrastructure like water and ...

You can also choose to do the Census on paper. And for the first time, you can complete the Census just by getting a Census code sent to your phone. [www.census.govt.nz](https://www.census.govt.nz/), click on “start your census” and enter your private access code to begin the form. There are also a large number of Census support locations and events. One person needs to complete the 21-question Dwelling Form before anyone else in the house completes their individual forms. The first official Census was conducted more than 170 years ago, in 1851. It helps the Government know who you are, where you are, and what resources your community needs. Support at these events includes answering questions, provision of a device to complete the Census online, assistance ordering paper forms, and help and support to understand and complete the Census forms. These need to be completed by or on March 7. To complete the Census online, go to You can do it now - you do not need to wait until tomorrow to complete the form. If you usually live in New Zealand but are not in the country on Census night, you do not need to fill the form out.