Telecommunication and Internet statistics indicate the ability of residents in a private dwelling to communicate with people outside the dwelling and to use services provided through these media. Communication information is also used, in conjunction with other census variables, as a measure of social connectedness.

It is widely accepted that high speed internet access is an essential requirement to participate in the so-called "new economy" and households without internet service are increasingly being left behind in the information age, as both government and the private sector are increasingly conducting their business, or aspects of it, on-line.

Telecommunication and Internet statistics are also used, in conjunction with other Census variables such as Education, Household Income and Age Structure, to measure of social connectedness.

Please note: Stats NZ has given Access to telecommunication systems data for the 2018 Census a quality rating of "moderate". This indicates there may be some minor issues looking at the comparisons to 2013 and 2006. Users should avoid concluding that any change in the categories is purely due to real world change. See Stats NZ’s DataInfo+ for specific information on what this rating means and recommendations for use.