It’s time to be counted in the 2023 Census New Zealand!

Census Day is Tuesday 7 March but you don’t need to wait till then to fill in the forms. You can do it online now.

Census packs have started being delivered around the country and Census collectors are now out in their communities. Look out for Census staff at events happening near you.

Why is the Census important?

Because, by taking part, you help create a better understanding of your community and what it needs.

By knowing these needs, government agencies, councils, iwi, community groups and businesses can plan how to respond to them; using Census information to make decisions that affect you, your whānau, and your community.

No-one explains the Census better than Elvis Lopeti, fresh from his gig with Rihanna at the Superbowl in the USA.

Check out his video >

The 2023 Census is significant because, for the first time, it asks questions about gender, sexual identity and variation of sex characteristics. These new questions will enable Rainbow groups and individuals to advocate for their needs on the same footing as other New Zealanders. 

How is my personal information stored?

Data security is a vital part of the Census. Data gathered during the 2023 Census is protected by law. It is stored on a secure data storage server certified for use by the New Zealand Government and there are multiple layers of security protecting it.

All data is anonymised and information that can identify any individual is never shared with any individual, group or organisation.

How do I complete the Census? 

Online 

Go to www.census.govt.nz, press ‘start your census’ and request an access code. The code will be sent to you via text message.  

Paper form

Census packs will be delivered to every household and contain a letter with an access code and/or paper forms.

If you want to complete your census on paper forms, call 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787) and request them.

In-person support 

There are support events and locations across the motu where you can get help.  For a list of locations near you visit www.census.govt.nz/census-support/

More information

Available on www.census.govt.nz or by calling the census helpline on 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787).