Statistics New Zealand conducted the 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings on Tuesday 7 March 2006. The census counted everyone who was in New Zealand on census night. Because everyone took part, the census provides key information about our country – who we are and how and where we live.
The next New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings will take place in 2011.
What is a census?
A census is simply an official count. In the New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings, we count how many people and dwellings (houses, flats, apartments) there are in New Zealand. It is held every five years.
We choose one day on which this count takes place. Everyone in New Zealand on that day is asked to fill in census forms.
There are two census forms. The blue individual form must be completed by everyone in your household or in New Zealand on census day. The brown dwelling form must be completed by one person in your household.
We then use the information gathered by the forms to produce a ‘snapshot’ of who we are as a country.