2023 Census: More than 70,000 Bay of Plenty people have yet to return their forms

There is still time to fill out your Census 2023. Photo / Bevan Conley

More than 70,000 people in the Bay of Plenty are risking a $2000 fine by not yet returning their 2023 Census forms, according to Stats NZ.

To date, 4.3 million people across the country have returned their Census forms. But about 1 in 5 people still need to do so, Stats NZ said in a statement

In the Bay of Plenty, an estimated 274,300 people have returned their forms as of Wednesday. But an estimated 73,400 forms were still yet to be submitted.

Of the total still to complete their form, Stats NZ said 37,300 were of Māori ethnicity and 17,700 were youths.

The estimates were based on the June 30, 2022 population estimate for the region.

The Census is a legal requirement and the official count of the population and dwellings in New Zealand.

The information collected would inform key decisions such as the funding and location of services and infrastructure such as hospitals, roads and public transport.

Iwi and communities are being encouraged to support Stats NZ’s call to action to do the Census now, with a message that “there is still time”.

Census collectors will be in neighbourhoods until May 3.

People in the areas most impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, including the Far North, Te Tairāwhiti, and Hawke’s Bay have until June 1 to complete their Census.

From May 5, households that have not completed the census will receive a final notice.

Not completing Census forms can result in a $2000 fine under the Data and Statistics Act 2022.

To complete the census:

1. Do census forms online at census.govt.nz using one of the access codes provided in the letters to the household, or fill out paper census forms
2. To request a new access code or paper forms (including bilingual te reo Māori/English forms), freephone 0800 236 787 (0800 CENSUS)

For support:

1. Census collectors can help you at home to fill out your census forms.
2. Call 0800 236 787 (0800 CENSUS)
3. Visit census.govt.nz for information
4. If you prefer, talk to a family member, friend, caregiver, support person, or trusted neighbour who could help with your census forms.
5. Check out the census support events and locations happening in your community at census.govt.nz/census-support

Source: Stats NZ