Census to help Government planning

As a new Government we’ve made a big deal out of our commitment to do our job differently – to be fairer and more inclusive in the way we spend public money, and how we make the big decisions that affect the people, and the landscape of New Zealand. To do that we need good quality information about what New Zealanders need.
Recently, millions of Kiwis did their bit to help us make better decisions about healthcare, schooling, housing, and the other core roles of government, by telling us about themselves in the census.
By the end of census day, almost three million Kiwis had completed their census forms. Tens of thousands more have been filled in each day since.
By filling in the census every five years, you’re helping to paint a rich picture of our ever-changing New Zealand population. In those five years communities have often undergone huge changes.
In the past five years, the Canterbury landscape has dramatically changed, house prices have skyrocketed, the population has aged, and entire new industries have emerged.
As a Government, we’re aware of the challenges facing New Zealand. But with the information from the census we can target our plans and our decisions more finely, to make the changes New Zealand needs.
Housing is a real priority for the government. For the first time, this year’s census asked about the dampness of Kiwis’ homes, and the census can also provide information on the growing problem of New Zealanders living in cars. We’ll use this information to help make sure every Kiwi has a warm, dry place to call home.
In education, census information will help the government deliver on its plan to modernise New Zealand’s schools.
We will build schools and kōhanga reo where they’re needed most, and ensure that out-dated and worn-out schools building are a thing of the past. We’ll make sure every child in every school can learn in a modern classroom.
Thank you again for supporting this year’s census. By taking part, you’ve helped make New Zealand a better place. I am excited about the challenges ahead and I know the government will use the census’ new information to work towards the Prime Minister’s goal of a better, fairer New Zealand for everyone.