Census staff to visit Northlanders who didn't receive an access code

Whangarei SeniorNet's chairwoman Barbara Budgen with (at rear from left), Val Maxwell, Ray Cotterill and Frances Shaw, will help people aged 50-plus to fill out their Census forms. PHOTO / JOHN STONE

Census officials are out and about visiting those who live in the most remote areas in Northland and did not receive an access code in the mail.

This year's Census on March 6, was held online using an access code sent in the mail, which caused some concern for elderly people and those who did not have access to the internet.

A Census spokesperson said about 4 per cent of Northland households had not received a code in the post due to their remoteness and were now being visited by staff.

Those households are in Te Paki, Te Kao, Hukatere, Motitangi, Paparore, Karikari Peninsula, Panguru, Peria, Kawakawa, the Bay of Islands, Russell, Paihia, Opua, Takau Bay, Ahipara, Pukenui and Te Hapua.

"Teams will be in Northland over the next few weeks to make sure everyone has the chance to be represented."

She said the staff would be visiting these homes with both the access code and the paper forms, so people had the choice of how to complete the Census.

The spokesperson said the remaining 96 per cent of households in Northland had received access code letters, either in the post or delivered by a field officer.

She said of that 96 per cent, those who hadn't completed the Census yet had been sent a reminder letter.

After that, if those people still hadn't completed it, she said officials would visit them.

About 40 Census staff were working in Northland.

The spokesperson said the Kerikeri hub office, in Hobson Ave, will also be open from Monday to Friday from 1-4pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm for anyone who wants to pop in and do their Census.

Meanwhile, Whangarei SeniorNet have extended their offer to help those over 50 fill out their forms online.

Chairwoman Barbara Budgen said the offer was still there for people who had received their code after Census Day on March 6.

She said all people needed to do was call SeniorNet and leave their name and phone number, and someone would call them back and arrange a time.

She said the service was open to anyone, not just those who belong to the group.

Ms Budgen said SeniorNet club members who were computer savvy had helped around 50 people complete the Census so far.

To book in a time with Whangarei SeniorNet call 4383418.