What to do if you receive two Census letters

Stats New Zealand has cleared the air after confusion arose when some Kiwis received not one, but two Census letters in the mail. 

Almost 1.4 million households across Aotearoa would've received a second Census letter this week with a new access code. 

But the second letter has thrown some Kiwis off. 

Newshub learned of the Census confusion when locals from Palmerston North and Christchurch outlined their concern about a potential double-up. 

Palmerston North local Cynthia Cooper told Newshub she was worried the second letter was a mistake because both letters looked similar but had different access codes. 

"I wouldn't know whether to use the first one or the second one."

So Newshub approached Stats NZ for clarification.

A Stats NZ spokesperson said the second letter is a pre-census reminder letter that includes a new access code and a "call to action" to complete Census forms by March 7. 

"It is also a call to action to contact 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787) to order paper forms if preferred."

The spokesperson added households that have already had a census pack delivered will also receive a second letter. 

Stats NZ says households can use either the new access code or the original one provided to their address.  Both are valid and private to their address.