Making sense of the Census

On March 6, New Zealanders will be asked to complete their Census form.

Every five years Statistics New Zealand takes a ‘‘snapshot’’ of the country by asking exactly how many people live in our villages, towns and cities. The results help us plan for our future.

Stuff asked 2018 Census general manager Denise McGregor to break down how the census works - and why it’s still relevant:

‘‘Whether you're a citizen, resident or tourist, you'll be counted.’’

Census general manager Denise McGregor

WHAT IS THE CENSUS?

The Census is the official count of how many people and dwellings there are in New Zealand on a select night.

WHO IS COUNTED AND WHO IS NOT?

The Census counts every person who is present in New Zealand at midnight on that night.

McGregor said a person was considered ‘‘present’’ if they were on New Zealand soil, on a vessel in New Zealand waters or travelling between New Zealand ports.

Whether you’re a citizen, resident or tourist, you’ll be counted, McGregor said.

Census forms are delivered to hostels, hotels and even cruise ships to ensure visitors to New Zealand or those who are away from home can take part.

Forms are also taken to hospitals, campgrounds, workplaces, and the airport: anywhere people might be found at midnight.

If you are ‘‘usually resident’’ in Auckland, but are in Wellington on census night you will still be included in the population count of Auckland.

However, if you’re a New Zealand citizen or resident who is overseas on census night you don’t count.

WHY DO WE DO THE CENSUS?

By asking everyone to complete a set of questions about themselves and their household, Statistics New Zealand is able to capture a snapshot of who is living in, and visiting, New Zealand.

Essentially, it provides information to ensure ‘‘good decisions are made for New Zealand’s future’’, McGregor said.

DO I HAVE TO?

Yes, the Statistics Act 1975 requires everyone in New Zealand on Census day to take part.

If you don’t participate, or if you provide false or incomplete information, you could be fined.

People who choose not to fill out their census forms can be fined between $50 and $500.

STUFF It’s almost census time. We look at why we bother. (And, yes, filling it out on paper is still an option.)