11. NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) Link to this
to the Minister of Statistics
What information has he received on preparations for this year’s census?
Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON (Minister of Statistics) Link to this
I can feel the electricity building; the tension is incredible! I am pleased to report that Statistics New Zealand is ready for the census.
Hon Simon PowerHon MAURICE WILLIAMSON Link to this
There is actually more, I say to Mr Power. Statistics New Zealand is ready for the census on Tuesday, 8 March. Over 7,000 census collectors will be delivering to nearly 2 million households, and that delivery begins on Saturday, 19 February. The first television commercials went to air last week in a campaign to raise awareness. This is also the first year Statistics New Zealand has used YouTube, where the campaign ads can be viewed online when anybody wants to do so. It is an exciting time in Statistics New Zealand.
Hon David CarterHon MAURICE WILLIAMSON Link to this
My colleague David Carter has just intervened and said: “With a pen.”, but I have better news for people. This year people will get not only their forms but also an access code for the Internet site. I urge as many New Zealanders as can possibly do it to fill out their forms via the Internet. If everybody in an individual house uses the Internet, the census collector will not even need to collect from that house. It will be quick, it will be fun, and it has made statistics come alive.