Languages and other formats
This website can be viewed in English or te reo Māori.
For the 2023 Census, we are preparing information in a range of other languages.
This website can be viewed in English or te reo Māori.
For the 2023 Census, we are preparing information in a range of other languages.
The census is run every five years and benefits everyone
The census is run every five years and benefits everyone
The census is a nationwide survey that provides the most complete picture of life in our cities, towns, rural areas, and outer islands. The information collected helps government, councils, iwi, community groups, and businesses make decisions that affect you, your family, and your community.
The census is the only survey that covers the whole population. It is so important that everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand is required to participate in it. We are focusing on making it easier to participate in the 2023 Census to help people meet this legal requirement.
Census data is used to make important decisions that affect your life. Government agencies, councils, iwi, community groups, and businesses use this data to make decisions about, and plan for, services that affect us all. By taking part you are helping create a better understanding of your community and what it needs.
There are some great changes coming in the next census. We are doing some things differently to make it easier for people to participate and be counted – including providing more choice in how you do the census, and more assistance for those who need it.