It's almost time for the most important statistical exercise, our National Census Day - te Rā Kautetanga

March the 7th is the day, but there is an extension by up to eight weeks for areas affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

University of Waikato Professor Tahu Kukutai works in the Te Ngira Institute for Population Research. 

Professor Kukutai spoke to Māni Dunlop about why the information is so important, and what it is used for.