Big changes could be in store for the way we do the Census. 

Stats NZ says the Census is becoming more expensive and difficult to conduct. 

It's signalling a new direction for 2028. 

Statistics Minister Andrew Bayley told Mike Hosking that the agency could move away from boots on the ground data collection, instead doing smaller surveys and using pre-existing data. 

He says the Census is essential, but changes are needed. 

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