Ratepayers more satisfied, survey says
Taupo¯ District Council is doing a better job than in 2014, according to ratepayers surveyed in April and May.
The satisfaction survey was conducted by phone, by research firm NBR and involved 351 residents and 100 non-residents.
A number of council services received higher ratings than in the previous, 2014 survey.
The AC Baths received a boost in approval, with 78% of those surveyed satisfied/fairly satisfied with the pool complex, compared to 69% in 2014.
The survey said 93% were very satisfied/fairly satisfied with council parks and reserves, up from 91% in 2014, while 65% were happy with the range and variety of the District Libraries’ collections; up from 59% in 2014.
However, only 57% were happy with the Taupo Museum, down from 64%.
The survey results were presented at the council monthly meeting on Tuesday.
The areas of greatest concern raised by respondents were public toilets (11% said ‘‘not very satisfied’’), recycling (11%) and landfills and transfer stations (7%).
The main reasons for dissatisfaction were ‘‘Not enough/need more toilets’’ (6%), and that toilets ‘‘Need more cleaning’’ (3%),whilst ’’no recycling service/not many recycling areas’’ (6%) was the main complaint around recycling.
However, dissatisfaction with public toilets was noted to be lower than the national average (17%) and the comparable ‘‘peer group average’’ (19%).
Fifty-six per cent had contacted Taupo¯ District Council in the past 6 months and 95% said they were very or fairly satisfied with the overall service.
Sixty-seven per cent said they felt informed about council’s activities and plans (65% in 2014 and 63% in 2012).
Only 52% said they felt informed about the council’s longterm direction – but this bodes well when compared to previous years, with 48% saying they felt informed in 2014 and 49% in 2012.
The survey cost $25,700. Satisfaction surveys are required by the Local Government Act (2002).
Some of the performance measures outlined in the council’s Long-Term Plan - currently being worked on - require an evaluation of the community’s satisfaction with council services.
* Full survey results in the recent council meeting’s agenda. Visit taupodc.govt.nz