Everyone staying in New Zealand tonight, aside from those impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, are legally required to complete their Census forms today. 

As of this morning, more than 1.4 million people have returned an Individual Form.

The Census collection period for the affected areas has been extended until June first.

Stats NZ Deputy Chief Executive Simon Mason told Mike Hosking they're working on a bespoke community focused response.

He says they don't want those in the process of pulling their lives back together to have Census on their minds.

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