Census deliverers in last-gasp push

If you live in a central-city apartment and you haven't received a Government-issue form lately - they're out to get you, because you're in serious danger of not being included in the official head count.

As of last Friday about 400,000 New Zealanders - about 10 per cent of the population - were yet to receive their Census forms.

Census night is tomorrow, when all people are required by law to record where in the country they are.

Statisticians have been crossing their fingers that some last-minute legwork by 6400 delivery staff at the weekend has done the trick.

Data collections manager Dave Martyn said the main problem areas had been in the central business districts of Auckland and Wellington.

Besides access issues, inner-city dwellers often had a lifestyle that meant they were home at unusual hours, Mr Martyn said.

The last Census in 2000 posed similar last-minute challenges.

Government Statistician Brian Pink said the final weekend push had been successful in most pockets of New Zealand, despite poor weather.

Mr Martyn said legal action would be taken against people deliberately not taking part in the Census.

"The fine is usually $500 per form plus court costs. If the person still doesn't fill out the form, the ongoing cost is $20 a day until they do."

* If you don't have a form call 0800 CENSUS (0800 236-787).