Online census numbers expected to grow

Forms are being delivered by 7,000 census collectors. Photo / Northern Advocate

Census forms have been filled in online by 250,000 people in the lead up to census day.

Minister of Statistics Maurice Williamson said Statistics New Zealand were on track with delivering millions of internet access codes and paper forms for the March 5 Census.

Forms were being delivered by 7,000 census collectors walking, driving and even boating to homes.

"Collectors will be delivering right up to census day, so there is no need to worry if you don't have your forms yet.

"The results of the 2013 Census will have a tangible impact on people, as data collected is used to allocate billions of dollars of funding in areas such as health and transport,'' Mr Williamson said.

It's expected more than two million census forms will be completed online by March 5, said Mr Williamson.

Statistics New Zealand has a target of 35 per cent of forms being completed online whereas the minister's aim is higher.

In 2006 when the last census was held, just seven per cent of people filled out their forms online.

By last night, 212,000 people had completed the forms online, and figures released to the minister this afternoon showed that number increased by about 40,000 overnight.