Strong Voices

The 2023 Census will include a new question about limitations on daily activities. It will ask people whether a disability, long-term condition, or mental health condition limits their ability to carry out daily living activities.

Stats NZ will use the answers to this question to select people to take part in the 2023 New Zealand Disability Survey. It will also ask for people’s phone numbers so it can contact them if they are selected to do the survey.

This year everyone can choose whether they do the 2023 Census online, or whether they do it on paper.

In February, Stats NZ is sending an access code to every household in New Zealand for people to use to fill out the online forms. These forms can be completed using a mobile phone, desktop, laptop or tablet. Many New Zealand homes will also receive paper forms.

IDEA Services is working with Stats NZ to make sure there will be support available for people living in residential homes and in our Supported Living Services to fill out the forms.

Information from the census helps the Government to plan how billions of dollars of government funding is spent. Because information is collected about everyone in New Zealand, it can be used to make plans such as hospitals, kōhanga reo, schools, roads and public transport and where they should be located. Government Statistician and Chief Executive of Stats NZ Mark Sowden says the 2023 Census is being designed to enable people to participate in the way that works for them.

“The 2023 Census will be the most inclusive census yet. People will have more choice about how they participate, either online or on paper. We will have significantly more paper forms available than for the previous census and will make these forms available earlier.

“We are also doing more to support people whose first language is not English and will deliver the census in a wider range of accessible formats to better meet the needs of disabled people.”

For help, or to request a paper copy of the census forms, call 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787).

More information about the census.

Key facts

• Households are being sent a letter with an access code or paper forms in February. Watch out for your letter in your mailbox.
• A census form must be completed for every member of the household. Above: IDEA Services will support people in residential services and Supported Living to fill out the census.

Caption: IDEA Services will support people in residential services and Supported Living to fill out the census.