Time to stand up and be counted

Today's the day - Census Day that is.

On Census Day every person in New Zealand must fill in a census form, or have one filled in for them.

Statistics New Zealand's census collectors have already knocked on the doors of about 1.8 million homes in New Zealand delivering census forms.

Wairarapa district managers Sandra Debney and Lisa Younger said a large majority of the census forms had been delivered to houses in the region. They were encouraging people to complete the forms online.

"We're really encouraging people online because it's so much easier for our collectors and it's less intrusion on people's lives," said Mrs Debney.

They were pleased with the work collectors had done so far.

"Overall, the positiveness from the public has been great," said Mrs Younger.

The general manager 2013 Census, Carol Slappendel, said it was important everyone took part but also that they provided true and accurate information.

"Census information is used by businesses, councils, community groups and government to make decisions that affect us all," she said.

"To ensure you are represented in the information that is used by those organisations to make decisions that affect you and your community, you need to be included in the Census."