Survey reinforces desire to keep 3 Waters local

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Waimakariri residents’ desire to retain Three Waters services in local ownership has been reinforced in a recent survey.

The Waimakariri District Council’s 2022 customer satisfaction survey has found between 92 and 96% of respondents considered it very important / important for the council to be involved providing stormwater drainage, sewerage and water reticulation.

The survey findings were released at a council meeting on Tuesday (June 6).

Chief executive Jeff Millward said the result reinforced the results of previous surveys conducted by the council.

‘‘The 90% water result is not surprising to see as people do not want to lose control of the assets they own and of a council they know delivers services well, as shown by the results.’’

More than 90% of respondents also believed the council should be involved in providing recycling services, parks and reserves, rubbish collection, roading activities, public toilets, emergency and hazard management, and supporting resident safety and wellbeing.

The survey was completed during October to December last year and 772 surveys were completed, which was significantly higher than previous surveys in 2013, 2016 and 2019, when 450 to 490 surveys were completed.

The council received an 86% satisfaction rating, compared to 85% in 2016 and 2019, and 76% in 2013.

Millward said it was a pleasing result.

‘‘We are a hard working council on behalf of our residents and this result is a credit to our elected members and staff.

‘‘The response rate from our community was also great to see, showing they are well connected and like to be consulted.’’

Services which scored high satisfaction ratings included parks and reserves, sewerage systems and library services.

But there was work to do in the district development, environmental management and regulatory performance spaces, which received high dissatisfaction ratings.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the council was always keen to hear feedback from the community.

‘‘This is just a snap-shot of the survey results overall, but I’m pleased to see that we’re maintaining high satisfaction scores consistently across years.

‘‘Like every bit of community feedback, there are things to take on board and items to work on, and the council is always ready to listen to our residents and make changes.’’