Online users jump gun on census

The New Zealand Census forms can be filled out on the internet for the first time this year.

More than 300,000 people have got a jump-start on tonight's census by filling out the online form in advance, Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) says.

SNZ spokesman Adam Kearney said around 5700 people had already filled and returned out the more traditional paper forms.

The census provides a "complete snapshot" of the country as it stands on a particular day.

"We prefer people to fill out the forms on the day, but we accept some people may not be able to do so," Mr Kearney said.

Census forms filled out earlier, either online or on paper, must be filled out as if they were being done on March 7.

This is the first census with an online option. Government Statistician Brian Pink said earlier that initial testing had shown around 15 to 20 per cent of people may use it this year.

Each household received a PIN number to use for internet access, as well as the paper forms.

Mr Pink today described the census as an invaluable national resource.

He said the "five-yearly picture" allowed community groups, businesses and government to make planning decisions.

Statistics New Zealand is employing 6500 census collectors. It has printed more than four million forms. Collection of the completed forms begins tomorrow.

- NZPA