The New Zealand government has started the census, which is conducted every five years. The census investigates the population, sex, race, age distribution, and other information about who lives in New Zealand, and is used by the government and local authorities to plan and operate public works.
This census has been making the news overseas. Let's take a closer look.
March 7th is Census Day
The census will be conducted on everyone in New Zealand as of the evening of March 7th. This will be done regardless of nationality, permanent residency, or visa status, and will also apply to travelers on short stays, so everyone in New Zealand will be surveyed. And you will be asked to return the answer sheet or answer online, and if you do not answer, you will be subject to a fine.
Conversely, if you are a New Zealand citizen and are not in the country on that day, you do not need to respond.
This survey covers not only people but also residences, and all buildings that people can live in are surveyed. Therefore, the representative must fill out the answer sheet sent to the residence, including who has lived there and for how long.
Elderly people, people with disabilities, and children who are unable to fill out the form themselves can receive assistance from a family member or person living with them.
Distribution of answer sheets has already begun, and people can answer as soon as they receive them, but people are urged to answer by March 7th if possible.
Harry Styles also under investigation
Harry Styles, a member of the currently inactive British boy band One Direction and who has since enjoyed huge success as a solo artist, was also included in the census, with major media outlets around the world, including CNN and the Washington Post, reporting on his status.
▶ Harry Styles required to provide personal information for New Zealand census
Harry Styles is currently in the middle of a world tour that has taken him to Australia and New Zealand, and is scheduled to perform in Auckland on the night of March 7th, the day of the census, which means he will be included in the census.
The questions you are asked to answer include who you live with, whether you smoke, your gender identity, sexual identity, and income... Of course, the answers you give will be kept strictly confidential.
What is the impact of the cyclone?
New Zealand's first census was in 1851. Since 1877 it has been held every five years, although there have been some exceptions.
The 2011 census was postponed after a magnitude 6.3 earthquake killed 185 people. It was canceled in 1941 due to World War II and in 1931 due to the Great Depression.
And now, some people are finding it difficult to participate in the 2023 census due to the effects of the cyclone that hit the North Island. Although this is an unprecedented disaster, the census will not be canceled, and those affected by the cyclone will be allowed to extend the deadline beyond March 7th and will receive support.
The results of the last census, 2018, are available on the Statistics New Zealand website.
▶︎ Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa | 2018 Census data about New Zealand
