It's official – Wairoa is a great place to live.

At the May meeting of the Wairoa District Council, Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Morton presented the latest results of the annual Communitrak survey to Councillors.

Results show 97 percent of Wairoa residents take a positive view on their quality of life here in the district. 94 percent said that the Wairoa District is generally a safe place to live, while 85 percent rated the community spirit here to be good or very good. 67 percent were positive about how our natural environment is being preserved and sustained for future generations.

A total of 202 residents were interviewed over the phone by Communitrak, an independent firm specialising in local government surveys.

Quota sampling ensured an even balance of male and female, as well as proportional ethnic group quotas, in order to obtain an indication of typical resident perceptions.

As well as general attitudes towards Wairoa, the survey covered different aspects of Council operations and governance to provide a picture of strengths and weaknesses.

Councillor Mike Bird asked if comments were provided by those who were unsatisfied with a Council service. Mr Morton responded by saying the survey allowed for comments, these would then be analysed by management to contextualise specific ratings.

Councillor Jeremy Harker was encouraging of the data being made available to those managing community facilities. Corporate Services Manager, James Baty replied by saying that the full report would be made available publicly and feedback would be forwarded onto relevant areas.

Councillor Hine Flood said that it would be good to understand the demographic make-up of those who responded to see how certain sections of the community responded to certain questions. This could be quite revealing, for example, it would be interesting to see how Maori responded, or if there were any major differences between age groups or gender.

Mayor Craig Little said that this survey could be the responsibility of the newly established Community Partnerships Committee, they would look at ways of making it even more purposeful and meaningful.

Results from the 2015 Communitrak survey will be analysed and added to ongoing work to improve and build on the work of Council.

For more information:

Andrew Morton
Chief Financial Officer
Wairoa District Council
(06) 838 7309

28 December 2017

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