Importance of Census stressed, fines waived

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Census NZ has reassured the Tairāwhiti community no fines will be issued to people here for not completing the 2023 Census. But they stress the “vital” need for people to take part in the nation’s big count.

The Government has waived the imposition of fines for non-completion in this region, where normally fines of up to $2000 would be imposed.

The period to complete the Census has been extended for this region until early next month.

“This is recognition of the hardship and distress caused by Cyclone Gabrielle but it’s still vital that people complete it,” Te Ahu Kauawhi  spokeswoman Annette Papuni-McLellan said.

Te Ahu Kauawhi is the taskforce in place to deliver the Census on the East Coast.

“The data gathered in the Census will ultimately help recovery in this region from the Cyclone.

“There is still time for people to take part in the Census.

“We’re here to support the community to complete it,” she said.

“We would point out that health services, for example, are funded on the population and this data is taken from the census — so tatau tatou — all of us do really count.”

Ms Papuni-McLellan said it was important to highlight again that individuals’ information remains private.

“It’s secure and protected by law and it is not shared with any other government agency or organisation like MSD, Kainga Ora or Work and Income.”

The Poverty Bay Rugby Union has gone into partnership with Census NZ to promote the information- gathering exercise.

“We have clubs from Wairoa to Uawa in our competitions and so we feel there’s a mechanism there to engage through the clubs and point out the benefits of taking part in the Census,” said union chief executive officer Ray Noble.

“Its about partnering with our communities, particularly the Pacific Island community.”

The union has secured merchandise from Census NZ to give away at the games each weekend to promote the Census gathering work.

“We’re a pilot for Census NZ to promote the exercise through sports clubs.

“From our perspective it’s been quite successful, particularly to reach people who have been in communities that have been hard to access after Gabrielle.”

Ms Papuni-McLellan said giving people the time and space they need to respond to the devastating impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle and recent flooding has been a priority.

“Alongside producing census data that will play a critical role in the recovery of the areas impacted by the cyclone.

“Our organisation is, fundamentally, here to help.”