Census codes ‘will be delivered on time’
As Census day fast approaches some parts of the country are still waiting on the mail to arrive before they can complete an online census form.
Some remote regions have become hard to reach as posties battle flooding and slips in the wake of ex-Cyclone Gita. Statistics NZ said delays were being experienced in Tasman, along with Northland, West Coast, and Gisborne areas.
Residents won’t get a knock on the door, as they have in the past, this year an access code is needed to complete an online Census form – but the code can only be sent by mail.
However, retirement village manager Hillary Sumpter told RNZ the new online process was poorly planned, particularly when it came to elderly people.
She said only a third of acess codes had been delivered to the elderly residents of the village she managed in Northland, and they were becoming anxious at the possibility of a $4000 fine if they could not complete the form.
Not having access to computers, or being computer literate and able was also a problem for the elderly, she said.
According to Statistics NZ, more than half a million New Zealanders around the country have already filled in it online ahead of Census day on March 6.
But 2018 Census general manager Denise McGregor said people will still be able to respond after Census day.
‘‘We expect to have delivered codes to everyone by Census day. Anyone who wants to take part by paper, but who got their access code later than other parts of New Zealand,
"We expect to have delivered codes to everyone by Census day.''
Census general manager Denise McGregor
will still be able to respond after Census day.’’
After March 6, reminders will be sent and field teams will follow up with households that have not responded.
‘‘Field teams are working directly with places like hotels, hospitals, and camping grounds to help people in those places get and fill in the census,’’ McGregor said.
‘‘There are also teams working in remote rural areas and with the homeless population.’’
Statistic NZ has a target of 70 per cent of all census forms filled in online, but anyone can ask for a paper form, instead.
Previously The Press asked 2018 Census general manager Denise McGregor to break down how the census works – and why it’s still relevant.
Every five years Statistics NZ takes a ‘‘snapshot’’ of the country by asking exactly how many people live in our villages, towns and cities.
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.
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.