2023 Census – it's not too late!

If you still need to do the Census, it's not too late.

The Census team have put out some Easy Read information about the ways you can get assistance to complete your forms for the 2023 Census.


We've also added some of the key information below about the Census collectors, community places and events, and what to do if you're in a flood affected area. There's also contact details and links for more information if you have questions.

Easy Read information

Cover of Easy Read information about Census with Census and Stats NZ logo, tatau tatou - all of us count, there is still time to do the 2023 Census and a picture of the Easy Read man and an image of a family filling out forms - sitting on sofas.

Here is the Easy Read information if you still need to do the Census:


Census collectors are following up

Census Day was Tuesday 7 March 2023 but you can still complete the census after this date. When people complete their census forms, they just fill them out for where they were on 7 March.


Census collectors are visiting households to follow up with people who have not yet completed their census forms and to offer support. Collectors will be in communities offering support until 3 May in most areas, and until 1 June in cyclone-affected areas.


People do not need to wait for a census collector to visit. They can complete the census online using any access code provided to their household, or by requesting a new access code through the website www.census.govt.nz.


Alternatively, people can call 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787) for help or to request information in Audio, Braille, Large Print or Easy Read.


The census helpline is open from 8am – 5pm, 7 days a week until 30 June.


NZSL videos with captions in English can be viewed online here: https://www.census.govt.nz/new-zealand-sign-language/


Support events and locations

There are community places and events across the country where people can get support to complete the census. There will be paper forms available.


Places like libraries do not have paper forms, but offer internet and devices for people to complete the census online.


Find out about places and events in your area by visiting the census website www.census.govt.nz/census-support


Reminder letters

A reminder letter will be mailed to some households this week.


Some people may have already completed their census forms by the time the letter arrives. If they have already done the census, they do not need to do anything else and can ignore the letter.


Cyclone affected areas

For people in areas impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, there will be more time and support to do the census.


Census collectors will be in affected areas offering help until 1 June 2023.


There will be community locations and events that people can go to for guidance on how to fill out their census forms if they have had to leave their homes.


Feedback received from disabled people

Some people have said they are worried about being prosecuted or fined for not doing their census by 7 March. Fines are sometimes given to people who do not fill in their census, because it is a legal requirement. But this is the last thing we want to do. We want everyone to be counted in the 2023 Census and are working hard to provide the support and assurance that they need.


Stats NZ will be revising the prosecution process for people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle who have been unable to complete the census.


There has also been general feedback from disabled people about the confusing language used in the census. Concerns that neurodiversity is not represented have also been raised. These concerns have been shared with the relevant teams at Stats NZ.