Stats NZ hopes for 30pc online census response

Statistics New Zealand is hoping a third of the population will use the internet to fill out their forms next year.

The last census, in 2006, was the first year an online option was offered - with 6 per cent of respondents choosing to use it.

Five years on people feel much more comfortable with sharing information online, census spokesman Michael Flyger said, and it was hoping for a 30 per cent online response rate.

Government Statistician Geoff Bascand said the strategy for the 2011 census was to make minimal changes to the questions.

"I announced in May 2008 that no new topics or questions would be added. Instead, we've been focusing our efforts on the online forms option and making sure it's secure, quick and easy to use," he said.

Statistics NZ is currently looking for 7000 collectors to deliver an internet access code and census forms to every household in New Zealand.

The census will be held on Tuesday, March 8, with forms and access codes delivered in February.

- NZPA