Census 2018 – taking part is the key

Census Day 2018 is on 6 March - a day when everyone in New Zealand is asked to do their bit to build a snapshot of people and places that make up the country.

This year, they're aiming for most people to take part in the census online. You'll receive an access code in the post - so look our for it in your mailbox and keep it safe until 6 March, then go to www.census.govt.nz to complete your census online. If you have not received your code by 4 March, call 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787).

If you're unable to use or access online technology, you can still fill out the census by paper. Just call 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787) and have your access code handy to request a paper version.

Our friendly Western Bay library staff are also available to assist you with your survey online if you need help. Just head into any of our libraries in Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati and Waihi Beach.

The census provides information for the country to understand more about the people who live in New Zealand and it adds to decision making about where services are needed.

All information on Census 2018 is available on Statistics New Zealand website. On this website is a help page and the how can I do the census? page which includes the following resources:

A step-by-step guide explaining how to use the access code to complete the census

• Flyers explaining why the census is important in Māori, Tongan, Samoan, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Hindi and Korean
• Instructions on how to order bilingual paper census forms in te reo Māori. (Note that you can take part in the census online in either English or Te Reo Māori)
• People can post about the census on social media by using the hashtag #2018Census. There are also digital images to use by following the log in instructions: http://filetransfer.stats.govt.nz/

A Community support page is available with the following resources for those who may need extra help filling out the census:

• An example of the access code letter people receive
• A support guide for completing the census
• An easy read version of the census access code letter
• A large print version of the census access code letter
• People agedover 50 years can get help to complete the census online at a local SeniorNet centre

On Deaf Radio there is a video in NZ Sign Language.