Counties Manukau is home to 19% of all New Zealanders in the most extreme 40+ BMI group. Photo: Supplied
The return period for the final census forms ends today, and so far more than 4.5 million forms have been returned.
That's an individual return rate of 89% nationally, with rates of 74% and 79% for Maori and Pasifika respectively.
Statistics Minister Deborah Russell is calling it a win, despite falling just short of the 90 percent return target.
Simon Mason is the Deputy Government Statistician and Deputy Chief Executive Census and Collection Operations.
He spoke to Corin Dann this morning.
