More accessible options for Census 2023

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Published 15 February 2023

 

Census is a nationwide survey of everyone and every dwelling (places where people live or stay) in Aotearoa New Zealand. The information is used by community, iwi, councils, businesses and government to make decisions that affect you, your family, and your community. The census is so important that your response is required by law.

For help or to ask for information in different formats please visit the census website www.census.govt.nz or call the census helpline free, on 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787), 7 days a week from 8am to 10pm.  

If you speak a language that is not English, then you can ask for someone who speaks te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Hindi, or Punjabi. You can also contact the helpline using the NZ Relay service which is also free. Find out more about the NZ Relay service by visiting www.nzrelay.co.nz.  

 

What formats are available?

Census questions are available in:

  • Braille
  • Audio
  • Large Print
  • New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).

An Easy Read guide to the census is available in an A4 booklet, in English or Māori. A copy of the Easy Read booklet can be sent to you, or you can download this from the census website www.census.govt.nz. 

Audio files can be listened to on the census website in MP3 file or sent to you on a CD or USB stick.

 

When should I complete my census forms?

You can complete your census forms as soon as you get them.  Please fill them out either on or before Census Day, Tuesday 7 March 2023. 

You can still fill out your census forms after Census Day. Whenever you fill out your census forms, you do this for where you are staying on the night of Tuesday, 7 March 2023. 

 

How can I complete the census?

You can complete your census forms online or on paper. Please write your answers in either English or te reo Māori. You can ask for support to fill in your census forms.

To complete the census online you will need a private access code that is located on a letter that your household will receive in the mail or from a census collector delivering census packs in your area in February 

If you would prefer to receive an access code by text (SMS), please call 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787) to ask for a new one to be texted to you, or complete an online form at www.census.govt.nz.

Not everyone will receive paper forms in the mail but you can order them if you prefer to complete the census on paper. There are Large Print forms available in English, and standard print forms in English, as well as bilingual forms that have Māori and English side by side.  Please order paper forms by phoning the helpline 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787) or complete an online order form at www.census.govt.nz.

 

Your privacy

Your information is protected by the Data and Statistics Act 2022 and the Privacy Act 2020.  Stats NZ keeps your information safe and secure. Your personal information will not be shared with other agencies, and you cannot be identified in any of the data that is published after the census.

 

New Zealand Disability Survey

After the census, a sample of disabled and non-disabled people will be chosen to take part in the 2023 New Zealand Disability Survey (the last Disability Survey was held in 2013). You will be contacted by Stats NZ in August 2023 if you have been chosen to take part.

 

Getting help to complete census

Locations in your local area may be able to provide support to you and provide internet access so that you can complete the census online.

Visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau, Library, Age Concern or Senior Net office, Deaf Aotearoa office or Disability Information Centre for help to complete your census online. Note: These locations will not have paper forms available.

In addition, there will be specific events that are run by census staff along with a community host, such as a marae or community centre. Note: These events will have paper forms available.

 

ENDS