‘Kiwi’ Mayor urges residents to complete Census

February 22, 2006

‘New Zealander’ is the box North Shore City’s mayor George Wood will tick on March 7 to describe his ethnicity when he completes his eleventh census.

The born and bred North Shore resident is taking his lead from the thousands of his fellow residents that he meets at the city’s citizenship ceremonies who were born in all other parts of the world.

“What I hear so many people say when I hand them their certificate is ‘Now I’m a Kiwi!’ and I’m always delighted to hear that,” Mr Wood says. “My ancestors were European but I’m a New Zealander and proud of it.”

The third-term mayor is urging all citizens – newcomers and longstanding residents alike – to complete the 2006 Census next month.

“As a local authority we need everyone in our community to take part. The information gathered will help us to better plan the future of our growing city, including the many services and facilities that councils provide.

“The census is the one survey that provides the most complete picture of our cities, towns, suburbs and rural areas.

“Confidentiality is assured as no individual can be identified from the information Statistics New Zealand makes public. As a former police officer, I can attest to that,” says George Wood.

Officials this week started delivering the census forms to 4.2 million people and 1.6 million households. These must be completed on Tuesday, March 7 and will be collected during the following 11 days.

People can complete the census in English or Maori, and on paper or on the Internet. This will be the first time the online option is available.

For more information people can call 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787) or visit www.stats.census.govt.nz.

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