The government is replacing the Census with a combination of administrative data and smaller annual surveys. Photo: RNZ
People in New Plymouth, Christchurch, and Ashburton will be the first to test the new Census data collection system.
Earlier this year the government announced the Census - which has existed in a similar format for more than 70 years - would be replaced with a combination of administrative data from other government agencies and smaller annual surveys completed by a sample of the population.
Now nearly 2000 households across New Plymouth, Christchurch, and Ashburton will be invited to take part in a "live test" to help shape the new approach before the new annual survey began in 2027, said Stats NZ population and housing spokesperson Sean Broughton.
"Essentially, we're testing how the collection system works for people, and how our systems and processes respond," he said.
"For example, in the future paper forms will no longer be used - people will be able to choose to complete the survey online, in person, or over the phone."
The test runs from 13 October to 28 November 2025, with selected households answering a version of the 2023 Census questionnaire, Stats NZ said.
Those households would receive a letter from the agency with more information and instructions.
The test was voluntary and data would not be used produce official statistics, StatsNZ said.
The agency would continue to test and refine the survey over the next 18 months, and the survey questions would be updated after public consultation later this year, it said.
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