26 February 2013
Public Libraries Close the Digital Divide for 2013 Census
Public libraries throughout New Zealand are preparing to support members of the public complete Census forms online on
Census day Tuesday 5th March.
Statistics NZ wants as many people as possible to use the online option. For people who do not have a computer or
internet access at home, or feel they need help with this, public libraries offer both internet access and friendly and
knowledgeable staff to assist.
To fill in the Census form online you must have both your paper forms and your Internet Access Code with you, so don’t
forget to bring these with you if you are visiting the library to complete your form.
“Public Libraries are very pleased to be able to assist the public and Statistics NZ by supporting people to fill in
their 2013 Census forms online” says Paula Murdoch, Chair of the Association of Public Library Managers. ”As government
agencies move towards e-government with growing amounts of government information and transactions being conducted
online, it is increasingly important that public libraries play a role in closing the digital divide and enabling
communities to access this type of information by providing internet access.”
“The support of Public Libraries in getting the message out about the 5 March, 2013 Census is very valuable. We want to
thank them for facilitating online access to the 2013 Census forms,” Carol Slappendel General Manager 2013 Census said.
ENDS