Census Collectors out and about
By Roger Childs
Over 80 Collectors in the Kapiti area started delivering forms last weekend and have until March 5th to complete this part of their role. The Kapiti district runs from North of Otaki to the southern side of the Paekakariki Hill and also takes in Kapiti Island and the Kapakapanui tramping hut.
Collectors are recognisable by their official ID cards and the legendary blue bag. The bags are chock full of guide notes, dwelling forms, individual forms, Internet Access Code envelopes, privacy envelopes, note pads etc…
Impressive progress
Fine weather over the last few days has allowed the Collectors to get off to a flying start.
Peter Williams, one of five local district supervisors, says that encouraging progress is being made in delivering Census forms. Collectors report that generally they are well received which is a testament to the lovely people in the Kapiti Region! Interesting stories abound of the people the Collectors have met and so far the sun has been fiercer than most dogs.
Collectors from all walks of life
Collectors come from a wide variety of backgrounds and include retired folk keen to do some public service, young mothers, self employed people, part-time workers and even some adult students.
Amongst the latter is Katheryn Neilson ( pictured above), who is working towards a post-graduate qualification.
She says: “I am currently studying for a Graduate Diploma in Science (Psychology). Central to my studies is the use of demographic data. As a consequence I like to be involved in the collection of census data.”
Going online: quick, secure and easy
Statistics New Zealand is actively promoting the online option and is hopeful that at least 36% of forms will be filled in on the Internet. Collectors report an encouraging response to this option and if households do complete the process online the Collector doesn’t have to call back.
Local libraries are set up to handle people who would like to use a library computer to complete their forms. On Census Day, Tuesday March 5, Collectors will be on hand to assist. If you go to the library, take your
- Individual form with has the Internet ID
- Internet Access Envelope.
Plenty of deliveries still to come
Peter Williams advises that if people haven’t had their Census forms delivered yet, you can help the Collectors by providing the Census Helpdesk (0800 Census) with a convenient time for the Collector to call when you are likely to be at home. The helpdesk will let the Collector know.
Crucial data for many
If you know for sure that you will be at home on Census Day, you can fill in the forms on paper or online anytime. The results of this census are eagerly awaited by central and local government, community groups, businesses and students.
The 2011 count was cancelled because of the Christchurch earthquake, so it is now seven years since a national census was taken. In the words of Area Manager Janet Thompson, the aim in 2013 for all interested parties is to get the best possible count.