Census set to roll after quake stop

It is just eight weeks until census day on Tuesday, March 5.

‘‘The 2011 Census was cancelled following the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, making the 2013 Census arguably one of the most important in recent times,’’ general manager 2013 Census Carol Slappendel said.

‘‘For Christchurch it means the city will have crucial information as it rebuilds. Health, education and other community services around the country will also have what they need for their planning.

‘‘We also know Government, local government and many others are keenly awaiting the results of this census so that they can use the information to make well-informed decisions for our country and communities in the future,’’ she said.

To achieve an accurate count of the population in the 2013 Census, Statistics New Zealand is employing more than 7500 temporary workers in jobs including district supervisors, community liaison advisers and census collectors.

Census collectors will visit about 1.8 million homes, delivering 6.4 million census forms (4.6 million individual and 1.8 million dwelling forms), and internet access codes.

Collectors will be encouraging people to complete their forms online.

Census collectors will begin going door to door delivering the codes and paper forms from February 16.

‘‘Everyone who is in New Zealand on March 5 2013 must fill in a census form,’’ Dr Slappendel said.

‘‘We look forward to making the census results available from December 2013,’’ she said.