Survey shows huge pride in district
10 August 2016
Waipa residents are hugely proud of their district according to a recent survey.
In May this year Waipa District Council commissioned independent telephone research targeting more than 400 Waipa residents picked at random. The survey measured how satisfied residents were with the council's performance and identified areas for improvement.
A further 100 residents will be surveyed each quarter on an ongoing basis. This staggered research replaces a one-off survey previously undertaken annually. Surveying more frequently, and on an ongoing basis, provides more accurate data. Key survey results showed that:
- Most residents (71 per cent) are proud of their district and are mainly satisfied with the council's performance, particularly in regard to public facilities and water and waste water systems. Residents were least satisfied with stormwater systems and some aspects of roading.
- Residents would be more satisfied if they were better informed about what value the council provides in relation to rates and other fees.
- Waipa District Council has an excellent reputation. it could improve its reputation further by being more transparent around spending, showing the council is investing wisely and achieving good outcomes. Around 22 per cent said they did not value or recognise the council's performance.
- Of those surveyed, 16 per cent said they had a 'good' knowledge of council's activities. Only 29 per cent said they were satisfied with the performance of community boards.
Most respondents were not keen on being involved in council decision-making. A third said they would only become involved if the council was planning something they disagreed with, or were aware of something that would negatively impact upon them.
The survey was conducted in May/June this year and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.8 per cent. A copy of the full survey results is available here.
Media enquiries, contact Jeanette Tyrrell 027 5077 599