Survey shows high satisfaction with council

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Published: 22 Aug 2016

A majority of Timaru district residents surveyed are highly satisfied with the overall work of the council and think the district is a great place to live, independent research published today shows.

The Key Research survey, which is commissioned biennially by the Timaru District Council, shows high levels of satisfaction overall throughout the three district wards and across the range of services provided.

Of the residents surveyed, 82% of people were satisfied with overall services and facilities, 74% were satisfied with the district’s image and reputation, 71% said the council provided value for money.

For the first time the researchers also measured the council’s reputation using a standardised measure.

Analysis over a range of questions showed 77% of residents had positive feelings towards the council and recognised it was doing a good job. Amongst the 12 local authorities currently using this measure, Timaru came out highest.

Peter Nixon, Chief Executive of the Timaru District Council said the results were due in part to the focus that was being put on customer service and working as one team across the council, as well as the positive working relationship between the council and community.

“The council had been working hard and investing in providing better services to our ratepayers across the district and I think we can be justifiably proud of the high levels of satisfaction we’re seeing,” he said.

“We want the community to know that we are here to serve them and take great pride in everything we do, and everyone in the community should be proud of the respect that our district commands in the rest of the country.

“These regular surveys give us important feedback on areas where we are doing well, and more importantly areas in which we can focus on improving.”

Areas identified for improvement included that around only 68% were happy with the overall communication from the council and 46% of residents were satisfied that they had an influence on council’s decision making.

“One particular area of focus was our speed of responsiveness and resolution of issues. So while the residents surveyed were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome, it took too long to get a response or the outcome. We’re now putting a team together to look at that and find out ways that we can improve in this area.”

You can read the full survey results below:

Last updated: 24 Feb 2021