Census Day 1.426 million filed forms by 5.30am

Ōtautahi -It is Census Day and at 5.30am today 1,426,299 Kiwis had filed their Census forms, Stats NZ says. The country's biggest survey is underway with the official Census Day taking place today.

“Every census becomes part of history and a picture in time of who we are as a country, and how we are changing,” government statistician and Stats NZ chief executive Mark Sowden says.

“There is no doubt the 2023 Census will be remembered for the devastating impacts of cyclone Gabrielle and our thoughts remain with those impacted by the cyclone.

“I hope it will also be remembered for being the most inclusive census ever. Working on this census since 2019, Stats NZ has invested in removing barriers to census participation and on ensuring more people are supported to take part and be represented in census data.

“We want to deliver a successful census for the country. It is now time for the people of Aotearoa to do their part and complete their census forms.”

There are many ways to do the census. By far the easiest is online at www.census.govt.nz; and use the access code provided to complete the census.

“Our regional teams are also out in force across the country today, supporting people to complete their census forms.

“I want to thank the many organisations that have worked alongside us to raise awareness of the 2023 Census and help their communities to take part.” 

Every person staying overnight in New Zealand on Census Day is required by law to complete the census form.

After Census Day, Stats NZ will start visiting households where census forms were not completed by Census Day.

For people in areas impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, there will be more time to do the census, and there will be more community-led initiatives supporting people to take part and be counted.