Time is running out to complete the 2018 Census - and for some Whanganui residents it's proving to be not an easy task.
This year Statistics New Zealand has been encouraging people to fill out the 68 questions online, by Tuesday March 6.
Access codes were meant to have been mailed to every home in the country on February 23, which people will use to enter their information online - but not everyone has received it yet.
2018 Census general manager Denise McGregor said Cyclone Gita had delayed delivery in some areas and if you haven't got your letter, don't worry, it would be on its way.
Ms McGregor said half a million people had completed the online census forms already and elderly Kiwis were well represented in the early submissions.
People who would rather complete the forms on paper have to request it by calling the 0800 number or filling out an online application.
Around 80 per cent of the country were getting their letters mailed out. While the remaining 20 per cent would have their letters hand delivered like in previous years.
The online option was available in both the 2006 and 2013 census'. Last census one third of the country completed it online.
This census they were hoping for 70 per cent of people to do it online, McGregor said.
The Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) are urging residents to get cracking on completing the census so community health services don't miss out on future Government funding.
WDHB chief executive Russell Simpson said given that the WDHB receives around $3800 for every resident living in the Whanganui district, it's vital the Ministry of Health knows our population numbers.
"Every dollar counts and because our population is said to have increased over the past year alone, Whanganui DHB needs accurate data to work with in order to understand what health services are needed for our population now and into the future.
"Given that we are a district with high health needs, it's critical," Mr Russell said.
On Friday the Chronicle spoke to Whanganui residents to find out how they were coping with the 2018 Census and what they thought of completing the forms online, here's what they said:
"It's easy for me to do it online as oppose to doing everything manually. I do all my banking online so it's no different really and it saves time. The census is a legal document and I recognise that. It's a good thing, it tells us the population, who votes and other various aspects that are all important. I have good grandkids who help me," - Percy Herewini
"I received the form two days ago. Now I don't like computers, I'm a paper man. I was on the phone for 30 minutes to get a hard copy and I've got limited time, it's not going happen. My opinions are not going to count. It's like they purposely make it difficult for the people who matter, the low socio-economic, the unemployed." - Donald McLeod
"I know the census will be coming out soon. I didn't know it closed on Tuesday. I recently moved up from Wellington to study here so it may be with my parents. I think having it online makes a lot more accessible for people, so I mean for me I could still fill it out if mum gives me the code. I imagine it will faster to do if it's on the computer." - Alexandria Morder
"I know the census is happening at the moment but I haven't received anything yet. I support the online transition. People are more likely to participate I imagine because everyone has access to a computer, it's just some people are lazy. Anything on paper is a pain in the arse, the only problem with computers is the risk of being identified." - Burnie Steyn
"I have received the forms with the online code but I haven't done it yet. I guess there are pros and cons to filling it out online. Not everybody has aces easily to the internet so it will make it harder for some but not impossible. On the up side it will save a lot of money on print costs and people having to go around collecting, so it's a good thing really," -Neil Jones.
"I did it already online. I didn't know if it was just for me or for everyone. I find it easier doing things online because I just do it at home and it takes no time. All the questions are just there and all you have to do is click, it takes no time at all. Just five minutes. It was the first time I've done it online but much easier." - Adonis Rancho