The next Census will be held in March 2013, after it was cancelled after the Christchurch earthquake in February.
The cancellation was due to damage to the Christchurch office where the census results would have been processed and the circumstances of people dealing with the aftermath of the devastating quake.
Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson says while consideration was given to holding the census in March next year, there was not enough time to plan it.
However, Mr Williamson says having it in 2013 will allow the revision of electoral boundaries and a Maori electoral option to be held before the 2014 general election.
