New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)
Information about the 2023 Census in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).
2023 Census instructions
On this page:
- Introduction to the 2023 Census
- How you will get your 2023 Census forms
- How to do the 2023 Census online
- How to do the 2023 Census on paper
We will also publish NZSL videos of every 2023 Census question in early 2023.
2023 Census news and announcements
Deaf community to receive more support in the 2023 Census
Deaf community to receive more support in the 2023 Census
2023 Census date announcement
2023 Census date announcement
- visiting the official census information website, www.census.govt.nz
- visiting www.stats.govt.nz/2023-census
- emailing info@stats.govt.nz
- calling 0508 525 525 (within Aotearoa New Zealand only).
[Visuals: A woman in front of a grey background signs the following in New Zealand Sign Language]
Government Statistician and Chief Executive Stats NZ, Mark Sowden talks about 2023 Census.
The next national census will be held on Tuesday 7 March 2023.
“The five-yearly official count of population and dwellings gives the most complete picture of life in our country."
“The information collected is invaluable, helping communities, iwi, councils, businesses, and government make important decisions about where to fund and locate services that affect all people living in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Stats NZ has taken on board the lessons of the 2018 Census, and the 2023 Census is being designed specifically to enable people to participate in the way that works for them.
“The 2023 Census will be the most inclusive census yet. People will have more choice about how they participate, either online or on paper. We will have significantly more paper forms available than for the previous census and will make these forms available earlier."
“We are also doing more to support people whose first language is not English and will deliver the census in a wider range of accessible formats to better meet the needs of disabled people.”
There will also be more support available to help people get ready for the census and complete their census forms.
“In the 2023 Census, there will be close to double the number of census collectors on the ground compared with 2018 to ensure people have what they need to take part. This will include help online, at your doorstep, or in your home for those that need the most support."
Stats NZ has been working earlier with communities to ensure an inclusive respondent-led approach to the 2023 Census.
“Engagement teams from Stats NZ are working with communities around the country on how the 2023 Census can work best for them. A big focus for the 2023 Census is achieving the highest response rates possible, especially for Māori, Pacific peoples, and other population groups with historically lower response rates."
“There will be further community engagement leading up to census day to help people understand the importance of the census and feel confident about taking part.
“This speaks to the theme for the 2023 Census: Tatau tātou – All of us count. By reducing barriers to participation and making it easier to complete, we are aiming to achieve high response rates so that we can produce quality census data that benefits all communities and groups in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
[Onscreen text: About 2023 Census ]
The Aotearoa New Zealand Census of Populations and Dwellings is an official count of how many people and dwellings (where people live or stay) are in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a snapshot of the people who live in our country and the places they stay in and call home.
The information collected is used to inform important decisions, including where to spend taxpayers’ money on services like schools and hospitals and infrastructure like roads and public transport. Community organisations and iwi use census data to support funding applications so they can serve the needs of their people and communities.
Under the Data and Statistics Act 2022, everyone living or staying in Aotearoa New Zealand on the night of the census, Tuesday 7 March 2023, is required to complete a census form. This includes parents and caregivers completing census information for children and babies.
You can find more information about the 2023 Census by: