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Download AudioJust over 70 percent of Māori have put in their census forms, and Stats NZ”s Māori census director Atawhai Tibble says the department is pushing to increase that before the close off at the end of June.
There are still workers on the ground in areas hit by Cyclone Gabrielle, which delayed the start of the census in the far north, Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay.
He’s pleased seven out of 10 Māori have completed their forms so far.
“They’ve done what was asked of them and their communities will benefit from the information they give. In terms of the 260,000 left, we still have until the end of June and we’re really pushing hard to make sure people can fill in their forms online so we will still be advertising and having a push in some areas,” Mr Tibble says.
Stats NZ is working with Whānau Ora for an extra push in Tāmaki Makaurau.
People can get help filling in forms by calling the 0800 CENSUS helpline, that’s 0800 236 787, go to the census.govt.nz website or attend a census support event organised by community organisations or employers.
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