Iwi Lead Census: Getting It Right

Local iwi and hapū representatives are taking the lead in this year's Census by offering extra support to whānau who may need assistance and guidance.

A core working group within the Whangaroa district supports its residents in the area through visitation, where whanaungatanga and manaakitanga work best. This year, iwi-led Census will be carried out by those well-known in their community, making the process comfortable and easy for those giving their information.

"The greatest thing about this Census is that we can cross the doorstep, and who else better to cross the doorstep than your whanau coming with your Census papers," says Bree Davis, CEO of Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa.

Adopting a sincere approach when collecting data ensures the working relationship between iwi-led Census and whānau stays true to who we are as Māori by nurturing the concept of aroha, tika, and pono.

"I saw it as an opportunity to be a part of a change, to empower people to have a say and a voice," says the Iwi-led Census area manager for Whangaroa, Darlene Wyles.

South West of Whangaroa lies a small community on the Northern side of the Hokianga harbour. A growing number of reports from the residents of Kohukohu claim that they have been left out of the process entirely, causing worry and angst that their input in this year's Census will be invalidated. However, Stats NZ has confirmed that a Census team will be deployed on 13 March to assist those in Kohukohu who have yet to complete their Census.

Whānau can complete the online format by requesting an access code sent to you by SMS. If you have not received your Census papers in the post, please call Census on 0800 236 787.

Extensions are being put in place for areas badly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

As of 9 am Friday, 10 March 2023, 2,912,217 people have completed their forms.