2006 Census goes online

20 June 2006

2006 was the first year that New Zealanders were offered the option of completing their census forms online.

On Census Day, Tuesday 7th March 2006, over 45,000 Dwelling forms and 127,000 Individual forms were submitted online. This is approximately 45% of the projected total number of online forms.

Statistics New Zealand estimates, of all returns processed to date, 7% -almost 400,000 forms- were submitted via this online option. As expected, uptake of the online option throughout New Zealand’s regions is showing some variance. Further analysis of the regional uptake will be undertaken after completion of the form collection phase.

New Zealand is one of the first OECD countries where the online option has been made available to the whole population. The option proved to be popular with 105,000 households, comprising 287,000 individuals, completing their forms online.

Brian Pink, Government Statistician was pleased to report, "We have had lots of positive feedback regarding the online system. This is a reflection of the planning and testing that went on leading up to the census."

The development of the online census form began in 2003 and has been refined for usability, accessibility, compatibility and ability to handle load, through a series of public tests.

For more information about the 2006 Census and the online option: www.stats.census.govt.nz/.