New Zealand Census

New Zealand Census

2018 Census Day was Tuesday 6 March. The Census website has more information on what it is, why it happens, and what is done with your information.

The 2018 Census was different to previous censuses. Stats NZ aimed to collect most of the census information online and sent or delivered an access code to every household in New Zealand. Paper forms were available for those who preferred them.

What is the census?

The census is the official count of how many people and dwellings there are in New Zealand. It takes place every five years. The information gathered helps with government planning for services such as hospitals, schools, transport and recreational facilities. It is also used to decide electoral boundaries. If you are not counted, essential services in your area could lose funding.

Historical censuses

Previous New Zealand censuses
Information from the 1996, 2001, 2006, and 2013 censuses.
Information about early New Zealand censuses
From our family history resources.
1901 Census for England and Wales
Official genealogy site of the Welsh and English census information for 1901. Comprehensive name index to over 32 million individuals. From The National Archives.
UK Census Online
This volunteer project aims to provide a free-to-view online searchable database of the 1841–1891 UK census returns. Provides the ability to search over the records transcribed so far.

eResources with Census information

Ancestry Library Edition

Trace your family history. Includes records from U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Only available in libraries.

Find My Past

A family history & genealogy website covering U.K., Ireland, Australia, N.Z., Canada, U.S., Papua New Guinea & the Pacific Islands.

MyHeritage Library edition

Family history/genealogy resource including more than 6 billion historical ​records from around the world
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