Opinion: Online Census not the same as paper version but just as vital

This year, people are being encouraged to fill out their Census form online. Photo / File

There's plenty of things I could do this weekend.

I could give a friend a break and take their children to one of the Children's Weekend activities, to the BayTrust Rescue Helicopter open day or head along and watch some top quality kapa haka at the Energy Events Centre.

Or I could just catch up on the housework then risk season-confusion by flicking between rugby and cricket on the TV.

But what I am most looking forward to is filling out my Census form. Is it just me, or does anyone else love a good questionnaire?

I must admit to a little sadness, however, that it's now online rather than the satisfyingly thick paper version.

There was something much more exciting about sitting down on Census night (never before!) with the paper survey and a pen and working your way through the form, counting on your fingers the number of rooms in your house and realising with a sigh you have now moved into that next age group up.

So much of life is now done online - banking, shopping, corresponding with friends - it was a nice change to do something the old-fashioned way. But move with the times we must!

Census information is used for so many purposes and affects what services are provided to us, where, when and how and how billions of dollars of taxpayer money is spent. It's also really helpful data for us journo types when new results come out! I therefore urge you all to take the time to complete the Census by Tuesday, even if you don't quite get the same odd joy out of it as I do.

On that note, a reminder that SeniorNet is running a session on Monday for over 55s who need a hand with doing the Census online. Just head to the Rotorua Library between 10am and 4pm with your access code and someone will get you set up.

And remember everyone, it only comes around every five years - so enjoy!