On Tuesday 5 March, every resident and visitor in New Zealand must take part in the 2013 Census.

The census will count how many people and households there are in New zealand. Among other things, this information will be used to help determine funding for services such as education, transport and healthcare.

Ashburton District Council uses census information to plan for future services in our district.

The 2011 Census was postponed due to the Canterbury earthquakes. That makes the 2013 Census even more important as a source of information.

You can fill in your census form online or on paper. Internet Access Codes and paper forms will be delivered to your home between Saturday 16 February and Tuesday 5 March 2013. Collection of forms will begin on Wednesday 6 March.

Visit www.census.govt.nz for more information or call 0800 236 787 from 11 Februrary.