Census takers prepare for day

Wanganui District supervisors are gearing up for the official survey of the nation on March 5.

Statistics New Zealand client relationship adviser Rick Kingi is pleased with the response from community groups and organisations in the Wanganui district.

"They are wanting to know what is Census, what are the benefits for them and their whanau, their community," said Mr Kingi.

"While we are interested in individual involvement, it is the accurate collective result we are after," Mr Kingi said of the data collection.

It has been seven years since the last national survey was taken. The Census in 2011 was cancelled because of the devastation in Christchurch after the earthquakes.

Collectors will be encouraging people to complete their forms online this year.

"Information is required now more than ever," said Mr Kingi.

"We can only get accurate information if people fill out these forms."

Population information from the Census helps determine how millions of dollars of government funding is spent in the community.

"Having everyone filling in the form is beneficial to the country," said Mr Kingi.

The information is used by councils, community groups, iwi and businesses to plan for the future.

"Normally it takes four years to gear up for a census, but for the 2013 Census we have had just two years from the time the 2011 Census was cancelled," said general manager 2013 Census, Carol Slappendel.

Statistics New Zealand will employ 7500 temporary workers in various jobs including district supervisors, community liaison advisers and census collectors.

Wanganui district supervisors are interviewing prospective Census collectors this week and will continue taking applications until January 20.

Marton district supervisor Allan Pond said up to 18 part-time collectors will be required for various areas around Wanganui.

To apply for a collector's position visit www.stats.govt.nz