2001 Census of Population and Dwellings: Introduction to the Census

This document provides an overview of the 2001 Census of Population and Dwellings. It places the survey in the context of census-taking within New Zealand, relates the census to the social and population statistics framework, and places the census in an international context. Strategic directions and operational elements of the 2001 census are summarised to provide users of census data with information on changes in process, which will enable them to better understand the data. This publication seeks to provide an overview of some basic information about the 2001 Census; the history of census-taking; the importance of confidentiality; how the 2001 Census was planned, undertaken and processed; and the resultant outputs.