2019 Report

Council, through Opinions Market Research Limited, conducted the 2019 Resident Satisfaction Survey in late October to late November 2019, after the local body elections. The survey report is attached to this agenda.

The survey provides a representative indication of Council's performance in relation to key activities and also benchmarks Grey District Council against other similar local authorities.

In previous years, interviews have been conducted solely by telephone. In 2019, a hybrid online self-completion/telephone interviews approach was employed. This change in methodology was introduced given the availability of cost effective online interviewing options and a reduction in landline presence within the community.

It should be noted that this move to a hybrid methodology for data collection in 2019 has resulted in some difference in satisfaction levels being recorded. These relate primarily to a change in methodology rather than a shift in satisfaction levels with the Council. In many instances a reduction in satisfaction is not matched by an increase in dissatisfaction but rather an increase in don't know responses.

Many thanks to everyone who participated in the survey. The complete report is available to read below.

Resident Satisfaction Survey 2019

Summary of results

Performance of Grey District Council

Two thirds (63%) expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of Council in the last 12 months. This is lower than 2018 (74%). Those who responded to the survey online were less satisfied than those who took part in a phone interview. The main change in satisfaction rating in 2019 is the proportion who don't know how satisfied they are, 11% in 2019 (2018 - 5%); this increase in don't know responses may be related to the changes in elected members, including the Mayor, brought about by the recent local body elections. (Group of Councils average is 75%.)
Satisfaction with overall service received from Council offices is 76% (2018 -81%) (group of Councils average is 79%).
Satisfaction (77%) with the information received from Council in 2019, is marginally lower than earlier years (78 - 85%). It was highest in Greater Greymouth (81%) and lowest in Kaiata/Dobson/Taylorville/Stillwater (55%).

Performance of Mayor and Councillors

Satisfaction with the performance of the Mayor and Councillors (59%) is lower than 2017 and 2018 (77% and 76%, respectively). Those who responded to the survey online were less satisfied than those who took part in a phone interview. The level of dissatisfaction with the Mayor and Councillors (19%) is marginally lower than last year (21%). The main change in this level of satisfaction is an increase in the proportion stating don't know, 22% in 2019 (2018 - 3%). As with the rating of overall satisfaction with the Council, this increase in don't know responses may be related to changes brought about by the recent local body elections. Participants who were dissatisfied with the Councils' performance were also more likely to be dissatisfied with the performance of the Mayor and Councillors and Council provided services.
Satisfaction with the performance of Grey District Council's Mayor and Councillors is slightly lower than the group of Councils on average (group average is 63%).

Satisfaction with Council's Facilities and Services

Of all Council services, residents are most likely to have used or visited a park or reserve (78%), followed by a rubbish dump/recycling facility (72%) or a public toilet/rest room (71%) in the last 12 months.
Parks and Reserves - 85% of residents satisfied with our parks, reserves and tracks (2018 - 90%).
Other services or facilities with high satisfaction included Cemeteries 77%, Swimming pools 75% and Libraries 72%.
Overall satisfaction is lowest with the maintenance of footpaths, 43% (2018-52%).
Satisfaction with public toilets and rest rooms is 71% and has increased from last year (2018: 70%).
40% of residents are satisfied with Council's regulation of land use throughout the District in 2019, this level of satisfaction is lower than earlier years (46 - 65%).
Nearly all (91%) are satisfied that their household rubbish/recycling is collected on time. This is similar to earlier years (91 - 95%). Satisfaction is lowest in Kaiata/Dobson/Taylorville/Stillwater.
Consistent with recent years, 73% are satisfied with Council litter bins, recycling centre and recycling stations being kept clean and tidy (2018 - 74%).
72% of residents on a Council water supply are satisfied with the water's appearance and taste (2018 - 73%). 85% are satisfied with the water pressure and flow (2018 - 92%).
Perception of safety on local roads (73%) has dropped significantly in 2019 from earlier years (83 - 91%). It is highest in Greater Greymouth (83%) and Karoro-Camerons (89%) and lowest in Kaiata/Dobson/Taylorville/ Stillwater (50%), Runanga/Rapahoe and the Coast Road (62%) and Grey Valley/Blackball/Lake Brunner (63%).

Perception of quality of life

Over three quarters of participants (77%) agree the District is a great place to live, however, this proportion is significantly lower than in previous years (86 - 94%) and those who responded to the survey online were significantly less likely to consider the District a great place to live.
41% agree they feel a sense of pride in the way their District looks and feels. This proportion is also significantly lower than in previous years (51 - 65%) and those who responded to the survey were significantly less likely to feel a sense of pride. It appears that this shift in perception is primarily related to a sense that the District is run down, untidy and in need of better maintenance and that the CBD is dying with lots of empty shops.

Greymouth Town Square & Events

81% have visited or sent time in Greymouth Town Square in the last 12 months. Reasons for visiting revolved around primarily around attending events/ functions/ concerts/ entertainment/ rallies/ gatherings, for food and beverages, the market and walking around of passing through.
Having events/entertainment/concerts/activities/music/buskers/markets and making the square sheltered/protected from the wind/rain/sun and closing the traffic were the main reason stated to encourage use.