Filling in the Census makes health sense

Your sad Review article (Weekend Herald, April 3) included a subitem: “Why it’s difficult to get solid data.” This referred to the high number of people who aren’t being screened for diabetes.

Our country is now accustomed to accounting for Covid-related cases, MIQ spaces and vaccinations. Every single one of our “team of 5 million” though has a legal obligation to complete fiveyearly Census documentation. Census data informs planning for every aspect of our public sector, including health services.

New Zealand is now on the pathway towards the next nationwide Census in 2023. I encourage everyone throughout this country to seize this opportunity and make a personal commitment to be counted. A complete Census count could enable DHBs to be better funded for health services and invest in all our community’s growing needs.