southland district council

2

Southland District Council 2014 Residents’ Opinion and Satisfaction Survey Research Report

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3

1.1 Research Context ....................................................................................................................... 3 1.2 Research Design ........................................................................................................................ 3

2 Demographics: Who Took Part? ...................................................................................... 5

3 Key Messages .................................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Who took part?............................................................................................................................ 7 3.2 Where Does SDC Do Well? ........................................................................................................ 7 3.3 Where is there Room for Improvement? .................................................................................... 8

4 Satisfaction with Council Services .................................................................................. 9

4.1 Community Centres .................................................................................................................... 9 4.2 Cemeteries ................................................................................................................................ 10 4.3 Dog and Animal Control ............................................................................................................ 12 4.4 Parks and Reserves ................................................................................................................. 14 4.5 Libraries .................................................................................................................................... 18 4.6 Transfer Stations ...................................................................................................................... 19 4.7 Public Toilets............................................................................................................................. 21 4.8 Roading ..................................................................................................................................... 23 4.9 Access to Council Provided Libraries ....................................................................................... 27

5 Satisfaction with Council Township Services .............................................................. 30

5.1 Waste Minimisation ................................................................................................................... 36

6 Accessibility ..................................................................................................................... 38

6.1 Council Operating Hours .......................................................................................................... 38 6.2 Contact with the Council ........................................................................................................... 39 6.3 Visits to Council Offices ............................................................................................................ 43 6.4 Information and Consultation .................................................................................................... 44 6.5 Internet Access ......................................................................................................................... 46 6.6 Grants and Donations ............................................................................................................... 47

7 Organisational Performance ........................................................................................... 51

8 Appendix I: Satisfaction Measures by Age ................................................................... 54

9 Appendix II: Satisfaction Measures by Ward ................................................................ 58

10 Appendix III: Satisfaction Measures by Urban/ Rural .................................................. 62

11 Survey Questionnaire ...................................................................................................... 65

12 Verbatim Comments

3


1.1 Research Context

Southland District Council (SDC) was established in 1989 following a

restructure of local government across New Zealand. Today SDC

manages about 5,000km of roads, 13 urban water supplies, 18 sewerage

schemes, 21 cemeteries, 12 libraries and 1 mobile library service, and

over 150 reserves and parks.

In previous years SDC conducted a regular survey to measure and

monitor residents’ opinions and satisfaction levels. The outcome of this

survey is used to measure progress towards the key performance

indicators identified in SDC’s long term plan (LTP). The survey results are

also used by SDC to identify areas for improvement. In 2014 SDC

contracted Research First to conduct this survey among Southland

residents.

1.2 Research Design

The residents’ opinion and satisfaction surveys (‘ROSS’) have been

completed in the past using a mail survey design. In 2014 SDC was

interested in looking at new ways of conducting the ROSS and how they

could improve the survey design (while ensuring the survey results can be

compared to data collected in the past). Thus, in 2014 the method of

collection was via a telephone survey. In addition, this survey used a

stratified sampling (i.e., ‘quota’) design. This means that a representative

sample of genders and ages was achieved in each ward. Applying this

quota system ensures that SDC can talk meaningfully about the data and

have an increased level of confidence when extrapolating the sample to

talk about the resident population. The impact of changing the research

design to a telephone design and using a random sample of residents

(selected within wards) as opposed to a self-selected sample of a mail

survey design , means that this year the results will be a far more accurate

reflection of the views of Southland residents (i.e., the 2014 ROSS results

give a more precise measure of residents’ opinions than was achieved in

the past).

Paradoxically, having more accurate survey results in 2014 presents a

challenge when comparing the current results with those in any one

previous year. In particular, where SDC’s performance has declined

between the two most recent surveys, it is possible that this due to the

2013 survey over-representing performance in the previous year (rather

than a decline in performance year-on-year). This over-representation of

performance is common where a self-selecting sample is used for data

gathering (such as with 2013’s mail survey).

However, this is much less of a problem when situating the 2014 research

results in the broader context of research since 2007. Here SDC can have

4


considerable confidence where there is a consistent trend in the data

reported. Table 1.1 shows the sample achieved by ward according to the

2013 Census.

Table 1.1 Achieved Sample

2013 Census

Target

Sample

Achieved Sample (n)

Achieved Sample (%)

Mararoa/ Waimea 24% 180 189 25%

Waiau/ Aparima 25% 188 186 25%

Waihopai/ Toetoes 22% 165 160 21%

Winton/ Wallacetown 27% 203 202 27%

Stewart Island/ Rakiura 2% 14 141 2%

The survey was completed using a Computer Assisted Telephone

Interview design (CATI), incorporating a six-time call back protocol.

Respondents were screened and had to be 18 years and older.

Data collection was completed during March 2014. Research First

provided an achieved sample of n=751, which is in line with the expected

target of 750 as outlined in the research brief. The resulting data set

provides a maximum margin of error of +/-3.4%2. This means that if we

were to survey a random sample 100 times, the results should not differ

by more than +/- 3.4% in 95 out of 100 cases. A margin of error of +/-5%

is the maximum margin of error for a data set to be considered robust.

The margins of error for any subsamples are larger than this (as sampling

error is a function of the total size of the sample, irrespective of the size of

the population). It is important to keep this in mind, and to remember that

the results become less precise as the sample size shrinks. The margins

of error for the sub groups analysed are provided in Section 2.

An audit of ten percent of surveys was undertaken for data entry accuracy.

As a quality control process, data cleaning was completed prior to any

audit or production of data tables. Data were analysed using Q

Professional™. Data was contrasted with specific Level of Service (LOS)

targets, as outlined in the LTCCP.

Maximum margin of error for a 50% sample at the 95% confidence interval

5


Table 2.1 Gender

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

Margin of Error

Male 364 48% ± 5.0%

Female 387 52% ± 4.9%

Table 2.2 Age

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

Margin of Error

18 - 29 73 10% ± 11.4%

30 - 39 144 19% ± 8.1%

40 - 49 155 21% ± 7.8%

50 - 59 153 20% ± 7.9%

60 - 69 110 15% ± 9.3%

70 years plus 116 15% ± 9.0%

Table 2.3 Ward

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

Margin of Error

Mararoa/ Waimea 189 25% ± 7.1%

Waiau/ Aparima 186 25% ± 7.1%

Waihopai/ Toetoes 160 21% ± 7.1%

Winton/ Wallacetown 202 27% ± 6.8%

Stewart Island/ Rakiura 143 2% ± 26.2%

Table 2.4 Rural or Urban

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

Margin of Error

Rural 319 42% ± 5.4%

Urban 432 58% ± 4.6%

6


Table 2.5 Ethnicity

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

NZ European 705 94%

Maori 29 4%

Other European 20 3%

Indian/ Asian 4 1%

New Zealander/ Kiwi 2 0%

Pacific Islander 2 0%

South African 2 0%

Refused 1 0%

Table 2.6 Length of Time in Southland

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

Less than 5 years 30 4%

5-15 years 110 15%

More than 15 years 611 81%

7


3 Key Messages

3.1 Who took part?

This report presents the results from the survey of residents that Research First conducted for

Southland District Council (SDC) in March 2014. A total of 751 residents were interviewed by

telephone. Data was contrasted with specific Level of Service (LOS) targets, as outlined in the

LTCCP.

Respondents were asked to rate a number of factors on a 1 to 4 scale with the following options:

1 2 3 4

Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Very Satisfied

To make the results easier to interpret a ‘more than satisfied’ (MTS) score has been calculated.

This simply combines the number of those who were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the statement

or service.

Similarly, where respondents were asked to rate their level of agreement with a particular statement

a 1 to 4 scale was used where 1 = strongly disagree and 4 = strongly agree. In these cases a ‘more

than agree’ (MTA) score was calculated.

3.2 Where Does SDC Do Well?

3.2.1 Council Services

Satisfaction with cemeteries, dog and livestock control, parks and reserves, libraries and the

location of refuse transfer stations and recycling centres was good. The expected Level of Service

targets were met across these services.

3.2.2 Council Township Services

Most respondents care about minimising the amount of waste going to the landfill (91%). Residents

were satisfied with the wheelie bin service, the quality and reliability of the town water supply, street

lighting and the sewerage system. All measures achieved their expected Level of Service targets.

3.2.3 Council Performance and Communication

Satisfaction with Council communication was high, with 82% noting they were satisfied with how

well informed they were about Council activities. Most residents (86%) had read ‘First Edition’ which

is in line with the expected Level of Service target for this measure (LOS 85%). When respondents

were asked their preferred method of communication with the Council, SDC newsletters and

circulars/ flyers were the most popular choices.

Over half of the respondents (53%) had contacted the Council and this was mainly done by

telephone or visiting Council offices. Residents were generally satisfied with their contact with the

Council whether it was by telephone, visiting Council offices or email. The main reasons for

dissatisfaction were a lack of contact such as not returning calls or emails.

8


Residents were satisfied with the hours of operation of Council offices, which exceeded the

Level of Service target for this measure (MTS 96%, LOS 90%).

Satisfaction with the performance of the Mayor, Councillors and Council staff was good.

Satisfaction with the Mayor and Councillors achieved the expected Level of Service target for that

measure.

3.3 Where is there Room for Improvement?

3.3.1 Council Services

Satisfaction with community centres in terms of their standard (MTS 83%) and availability (MTS

85%) has declined in the past year and these services did not achieve their expected Level of

Service target (LOS 90%). There were few reasons given to explain this other than the facilities

were not Council built (5 comments) or they needed replacing or maintenance (5 comments).

Satisfaction with toilets in terms of availability (MTS 77%) and quality (MTS 75%) did not reach

their expected Level of Service target (LOS 90%). Rural residents were less satisfied than urban

residents with the quality and availability of public toilets. Residents objected to having to pay for

these facilities (22 comments). They also suggested that the provision of more facilities (18

comments) and upgraded facilities (13 comments) would improve this service.

While most residents felt safe on Southland’s roads (MTA 84%), fewer agreed sealed (MTA 66%)

and unsealed (MTA 44%) roads were adequately maintained. No Level of Service targets were set

for road services. Satisfaction with the maintenance of sealed and unsealed roads has declined

over time (since 2007) by over 10%. Many of the comments about sealed and unsealed roads

referred to poor quality repairs and a need for more maintenance.

Satisfaction with the opening hours of refuse transfer stations (MTS 66%) failed to meet its

expected Level of Service target (80%). Satisfaction has declined marginally but consistently since

2009. A number of comments referred to the weekend hours being inadequate and the need for

longer opening hours (19 comments).

3.3.2 Council Township Services

Residents’ satisfaction with the safety of footpaths was somewhat lower (58%), with the exception

of residents from Mararoa/ Waimea who had a higher level of satisfaction (75%). Satisfaction

across the whole region has declined by over 20% since the start of surveying (2007). Most

comments about footpaths focused on the need for maintenance (74 comments).

3.3.3 Council Performance and Communication

There is room for improvement with the level of consultation with the community (MTS 69%). This

service failed to achieve its Level of Service target (LOS 80%). Comments about Council

consultation focussed on a need to communicate and be open with residents (42 comments) and

consult and listen to residents (35 comments).

Satisfaction levels (76%) did not reach the expected Level of Service target (LOS 85%) for local

community boards and community development area sub-committees. Residents of Mararoa/

Waimea were the least satisfied with their community boards.

9


4 Satisfaction with Council Services

Residents were asked to rate a variety of Council services on a four point

scale where 1 = very dissatisfied, 2 = satisfied, 3 = dissatisfied and 4 =

very satisfied. To make the results easier to interpret an MTS (‘more than

satisfied’) score has been calculated where the % very satisfied and %

satisfied have been added together.

4.1 Community Centres

Residents were asked to rate the availability and the standard of

community centres. The Level of Service (LOS) target for satisfaction with

availability and the standard of community centres was 90%. Satisfaction

with the availability was 85% and satisfaction with the standard of

community centres was 83%. Satisfaction in 2014 was lower than the LOS

target and lower than previous years’ data (Figure 4.1 and 4.2, overleaf).

The reasons provided for this lower level of satisfaction (while still being

high) included the closure of one community centre, the need to replace

other centres and centres not being Council owned (Table 4.2 overleaf).

Table 4.1: Satisfaction with Community Centres

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Num

ber

of

Respon

dents

The availability of community centre(s) for use

90% 85% 38% 47% 10% 5% 621

The standard of community centre(s) 90% 83% 34% 49% 11% 6% 594

Figure 4.1 Satisfaction with Community Centres

83%

85%

17%

15%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The standard of community centre(s)


Dissatisfied Satisfied

LOS Target90%

10


Figure 4.2 Satisfaction with Community Centres

Table 4.2 Further Comments about Community Centres

No. of

Respondents

Built by locals not council 5

Needs replacing 3

Needs maintenance 2

Good facilities 2

Not enough community centres 2

Other: Excellent tourist centre, more financial support Stewart Island community centre, local hall condemned

3

Sample responded to question 154

4.2 Cemeteries

Residents were asked to rate the appearance of Council-owned

cemeteries. The Level of Service (LOS) target for satisfaction with this

statement was 90%. Most (93%) respondents were satisfied with the

appearance of Council owned cemeteries, which is slightly higher than the

LOS target of 90%. The trend data indicates that satisfaction is in line with

previous years (Figure 4.4). Comments relating to cemeteries in

Southland referred to cemeteries needing maintenance, new plaques and

seating (Table 4.4).

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014

% of respondents very satisfied or satisfied

Standard of community centres Availability of commmunity centres

11


Table 4.3: Satisfaction with Cemeteries

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Num

ber

of

Respon

dents

Satisfaction with the appearance of Council-owned cemeteries

90% 93% 46% 47% 6% 2% 665

Figure 4.3 Satisfaction with Cemeteries

Figure 4.4 Satisfaction with Cemeteries

93%

7%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The appearance ofCouncil owned

cemeteries


LOS Target90%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014


Cemeteries

12


Table 4.4 Comments about Cemeteries

No. of Respondents

Needs maintenance 7

Grave plot driven over 2

Other: Needs seating, plaques, no local cemetery

4


4.3 Dog and Animal Control

Southland District Council operates dog and animal control services.

Residents rated how satisfied they were with each of the services. The

LOS target for dog control was 75%, and for livestock control was 80%.

Satisfaction with dog control and livestock control in 2014 was in line with

LOS targets. Over time, satisfaction for both measures has dropped off

slightly after peaking in 2009 (Figure 4.6). Comments about dog control

included the need for stricter legislation, roaming dogs, dog soiling and a

need for more dog parks. Comments about livestock centred around

livestock on rural roads (Table 4.6).

Table 4.5: Satisfaction with Dog and Livestock Control

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Num

ber

of

Respon

dents

Dog control 75% 71% 26% 45% 21% 8% 646

Livestock control 80% 84% 29% 55% 13% 3% 634

Satisfaction with dog control was

higher in rural areas

13


Figure 4.5 Satisfaction with Dog and Livestock Control

Figure 4.6 Satisfaction with Dog and Livestock Control

84%

71%

16%

29%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Livestockcontrol

Dog control


LOS Target70%

LOS Target80%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014


Dog Control Livestock Control

14


Table 4.6 Further Comments about Dog and Livestock Control

No. of Respondents

Dog Control Need to be stricter 11

Too many roaming dogs 8

Dog droppings 5

Ranger has low profile 3

Exercise area limited 2

Exercise area should be fenced 2

More information on who to contact about loose dogs 2

Too strict 2

Other: Public walkway dissects dog park, more dog parks, Council agenda over farm dogs

4


Livestock Control Too many livestock on rural roads/ Stock causes damage

8

Need to be stricter 3

More information on who to contact about loose livestock

1


4.4 Parks and Reserves

Respondents rated their satisfaction with the quality and choice of parks

and reserves and the maintenance and provision of street plantings

provided by Southland District Council. The LOS target for appropriate

and acceptable quality parks, reserves, playgrounds and sports fields was

95%. Residents’ satisfaction levels were slightly lower than this target at

91%.

Most were satisfied with the choice of parks (88%) and the maintenance

and provision of street planting and trees (86%).Satisfaction with the

choice of parks and the maintenance and the provision of street planting

and trees has declined marginally since 2009 (Figure 4.8).

Respondents’ comments about parks and reserves centred around better

maintenance, more children’s play areas and improved cycle ways.

Comments about gardens and street plantings were about trees and

planting obstructing driving visibility and needing maintenance and

pruning (Table 4.8).

15


Table 4.7: Satisfaction with Parks and Reserves

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Num

ber

of

Respon

dents

The local parks and reserves are appropriate and of acceptable quality

95% 91% 41% 50% 7% 2% 724

The choice of parks, recreational facilities and open spaces in my area

- 88% 43% 46% 10% 2% 720

The maintenance and provision of garden plots, street planting and street trees.

- 86% 49% 37% 11% 4% 702

Figure 4.7 Satisfaction with Parks and Reserves

85%

88%

91%

15%

12%

9%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The maintenance and provision ofgarden plots, street planting and

street trees

The choice of parks, recreationalfacilities and open spaces in my area

The local parks and reserves areappropriate & of acceptable quality


LOS Target95%

16


Figure 4.8 Satisfaction with Parks and Reserves, Trend Data

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014


The local parks and reserves are appropriate & of acceptable quality


The maintenance and provision of garden plots, street planting and street trees

17


Table 4.8 Further Comments about Parks and Reserves

No. of

Respondents

Parks and Reserves

Need better maintenance of Council parks 7

Need more children play areas 5

Improve cycle areas/ bike park 4

Well maintained 4

Lawn mowing is poor 3

Playground used by young adults/ littered with glass 3

Need public toilets in park 2

Need more fruit trees in parks 2

Destroying native forest to create park 1

Access to waterways restricted 1

Not enough parks but too many sports grounds 2

Muddy areas 1

Walking track is amazing 1


Gardens and Street plantings

Trees and planting restrict driving visibility/ are traffic hazard 16

Needs more frequent maintenance 10

Infrequent mowing 6

Well maintained 4

Trees need annual pruning 3

Narrow the roads too much 3

Unattractive plantings/ Needs improvement 2

Planting is attractive 2

Listen to residents 1


18


4.5 Libraries

Residents rated how satisfied they were with the location of libraries and

the ability to access the book bus. Satisfaction was high (95%) and

remains in line with previous survey periods (Figure 4.10).

Table 4.9 Satisfaction with the Location of Libraries and Access to the Mobile Library

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Num

ber

of

Respon

dents

Location of libraries and access to the mobile library

- 95% 63% 32% 4% 1% 701

Figure 4.9 Satisfaction with the Location of Libraries and Access to the Mobile Library

Figure 4.10 Satisfaction with the Location of Libraries and Access to the Mobile Library

95%

5%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The location of librariesand/or ability to accessthe book bus (mobile

library)


50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014


Libraries location and access to the mobile library

Accessing a Library or book bus

increased with age and was more

prevalent among urban residents

19


No. of Respondents

Opening hours inconvenient 3

Evening hours wanted 2

Book bus needs to stop more in my area 2

Other: unnecessary cost, no computer services in mobile library, book bus/ library too small, book bus important, tourists taking over library room

6


4.6 Transfer Stations

Residents were asked about the solid waste management provided by

Southland District Council. These aspects were:

The location of refuse transfer stations (LOS target = 80%);

The opening hours of refuse transfer stations (LOS target = 80%);

and

The location of recycling centre(s) (LOS target = 80%).

Most residents were satisfied with the location of the refuse transfer

stations (78%) and recycling centres (79%) and satisfaction with these

measures was in line with the LOS target of 80%. Satisfaction was slightly

lower for the opening hours of the refuse transfer station (66%) which is

below the expected LOS target; and lower than previous years’

satisfaction levels (Figure 4.11).

Satisfaction with Refuse Transfer Stations

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Num

ber

of

Respon

dents

The location of recycling centre(s) 80% 79% 31% 48% 15% 6% 612

The location of refuse transfer stations 80% 78% 37% 41% 15% 7% 648

The opening hours of refuse transfer stations

80% 66% 22% 44% 25% 9% 539

Urban Residents were more

satisfied with the location of refuse transfer stations

and recycling centres

20


Figure 4.11 Satisfaction with Refuse Transfer Stations

Figure 4.12 Satisfaction with Refuse Transfer Stations, Trend Data

Comments about the refuse transfer centre and recycling centre are listed

in Table 4.12. Comments about the transfer centre mainly focused on it

needing to be open longer and that it was too far away. Comments about

the recycling centre also centred around opening hours and it being

located too far away. Recycling facilities were also cited as being

inadequate.

66%

78%

79%

34%

22%

21%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The opening hours of refuse transferstations

The location of refuse transferstations

The location of recycing centre(s)


30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014


Refuse Station location Refuse Station opening hours

Recycling Centre location

21


Table 4.12: Further Comments about the Refuse Transfer Station and Recycling Centres

No. of Respondents

Refuse transfer station

Need to be open longer/ Weekend hours inadequate 19

Too far away/ no centre locally 8

Expensive 6

Advertised hours incorrect/ Difficult to find 4

No provision for dumping heavy rubbish 4

Need rubbish collection rurally 2


Recycling Centre

Need a centre close to me/ local 7

Inadequate recycling facilities 6

Inadequate opening hours 5

Other: Still developing, public recycling bins, collect from recycling centre, expensive

5


4.7 Public Toilets

Respondents discussed their satisfaction with the public conveniences,

specifically the provision and quality of public toilets for residents and

tourists. The LOS targets for each service were 90%. Three-quarters of

residents were satisfied with the provision and quality of public toilets for

residents and tourists. Satisfaction fell below the expected LOS target for

each service (Figure 4.13).

Table 4.13: Satisfaction with Public Toilets

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Num

ber

of

Respon

dents

The availability of public toilets for residents and tourists

90% 77% 32% 45% 16% 7% 722

The quality of public toilets for residents and tourists

90% 75% 28% 47% 20% 5% 612

Urban residents were more satisfied

with the availability and

quality of public toilets than rural residents

22


Figure 4.13 Satisfaction with Public Toilets

Comments about public toilets focussed on residents not wanting to pay

(22 comments), a need for more public toilets (18 comments) and the

upgrading of toilets (13 comments). Table 4.14 provides a full list of

comments.

75%

77%

25%

23%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The quality ofpublic toilets forResidents and

Tourists

The availability ofpublic toilets forResidents and

Tourists


23


Table 4.14: Further Comments About Public Toilets

No. of Respondents

Residents should not pay 22

Need more public toilets 18

Need maintenance/ upgrading 13

Unclean/ need more frequent cleaning 10

Expensive 6

Development of facilities more expensive than necessary 4

Better advertising of Public Toilets/ More signage 2

Indiscreet placement of public toilets 2

Need to be open longer 2

Toilets are kept clean 2

Other: Toilets adequate/ not, separate sex toilets, include showers, vandalism

7


4.8 Roading

Respondents rated their level of agreement with statements about the

roading and transport in the district, on a four point scale where 1 =

strongly disagree, 2 = agree, 3 = disagree and 4 = strongly agree. An MTA

(more than agree) score has been calculated, by adding together the

respondents who ‘agreed’ and ‘strongly agreed’ with each statement. Note

that the roads exclude State Highways, which are maintained by the New

Zealand Transport Agency.

Most residents (82%) agreed they felt safe on Southland’s roads.

Agreement was somewhat lower regarding the maintenance of sealed

(66%) and unsealed (44%) roads. Agreement with both measures has

declined over time (Figure 4.14).

Table 4.15: Agreement with The State of Southland Roads

MT

A

Str

on

gly

Ag

ree

Ag

ree

Dis

ag

ree

Str

on

gly

Dis

ag

ree

Num

ber

of

Respon

dents

Council sealed roads are adequately maintained.

66% 12% 54% 25% 9% 747

Council unsealed roads are maintained for a safe and comfortable speed of 70km/hr.

44% 6% 38% 35% 21% 720

I feel safe travelling on Southland District roads

82% 21% 61% 15% 4% 747

90% of Younger residents (18 –

29) felt safe travelling on

Southland District roads

24


Figure 4.14 Agreement with the State of Southland’s Roads

Figure 4.15 Agreement with the State of Southland’s Roads, Trend Data

Respondents had the opportunity to comment on the state of roads in the

district (Tables 4.16 – 4.19, overleaf). Comments centred around road

quality, roads needing maintenance and the quality of the repairs.

82%

44%

66%

19%

56%

34%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I feel safe travelling on SouthlandDistrict Council roads

Council unsealed roads aremaintained for a safe and

comfortable speed of 70km/hr

Council sealed roads are adequatelymaintained

Disagree Agree

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014


Sealed roads adequately maintained

Unsealed roads maintained for a comfortable speed 70 km/hr

Urban residents were more satisfied

with the maintenance of unsealed roads

than rural residents

25


Table 4.16: Further Comments About Sealed Roads

No. of Respondents

Repairs do not last/ bad quality 20

Need more maintenance 18

Too narrow/ no road markings 9

Some roads appalling 5

Need more funding/ Limited budget 3

Too much patching 3

Too many roadworks 3

Repairs too slow 3

Road markings do not last 2

Need more speed bumps 2

No apparent reason for roadworks 2


Table 4.17: Further Comments About Unsealed Roads

No. of Respondents

Need more maintenance 125

Poor quality/ potholes/ corrugated 44

Want more roads to be sealed 24

Too narrow 10

Cause damage to cars 6

Satisfied with maintenance 6

Speed limits should be reduced 5

Inconsistent quality 5

Speed limits reduced 5

Not possible to get to 70km/h 5

Repairs are slow 3

Unsafe 3

Excessive dust 2

Unsafe in winter due to ice 2

Need clear speed signs 2

Contact residents about timing of maintenance 2

Other: Pot holes, speed limits, landowners using own oil on roads

3


26


Table 4.18: Further Comments About Safety on Roads

No. of Respondents

Poor driving is the issue 15

Need to police speeds/ decrease speeds 4

Lack of safe areas to pull over to 3

Lack of passing lanes 3

More directional arrows on roads for tourists 2

Dangerous bends need addressing 2

Other Roads are unsafe, Water pools on edges of road, traffic control, poor visibility on bridge, poorly placed signs

5


Table 4.19: Further Comments About Roading

No. of Respondents

Heavy vehicles cause damage 22

Roads generally of a low standard 8

Good standard of maintaining road network 8

Rural roads need more maintenance 7

Do their best 7

Not prioritising work correctly 6

Road quality inconsistent 5

Lack of funding for roads 5

Effluent on roads 5

Always room for improvement 4

Rates are high but standard of roading is low 4

Need more funding from Central Government 3

Poor placement/timing of signage/ lights 2

Encourage community to report damage 2

Ditches at side of road are hazardous 2

Police cyclists/ better cycle controls 2

Other 7


27


4.9 Access to Council Provided Libraries

Half of the respondents (47%) reported to have accessed a Council

provided library. The most visited libraries were at Winton (17%), Te Anau

(8%), Riverton (6%) and Otautau (5%). One-tenth of respondents used

the book bus (Table 4.20).

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

Had not accessed a library 395 53%

Winton 128 17%

Book bus 68 9%

Te Anau 57 8%

Riverton 44 6%

Otautau 34 5%

Wyndham 26 4%

Lumden 24 3%

Tuataprere 16 2%

Stewart Island 13 2%

Manapouri 4 1%

Invercargill 2 0%

Gore 1 0%

Nightcaps 1 0%

Number of Respondents 751

Those respondents who had not accessed a library were asked the reason

for this. Most had not because they do not read or purchased their books

instead of borrowing them from the library. The number of residents who

identified ‘opening hours’ as a barrier to use was 6%, achieving the LOS

target of less than 10% (Table 4.21, overleaf).

28


Table 4.21: Further Reasons for Not Accessing a Library

No. of

Respondents % of

Respondents LOS Target

You do not read books 127 32% -

No time to read/ too busy 60 15% -

You prefer to buy books to read 51 13% -

I use e-books instead 32 8% -

The opening hours were not suitable

23 6% <10%

Access ICC/ GDC library 21 5% -

It is too far to travel to the library 17 4% -

Access a school/ work library 15 4% -

No need to 14 4% -

Use internet instead 13 3% -

Family member accesses library for me

11 3% -

Source books elsewhere 10 3% -

Difficult to access library 7 2% -

Other 30 8%

Don't know 6 2% -


Among the 23 respondents who did not use a library due to the library

hours being unsuitable, half (12 respondents) would use the library on the

weekend (Table 4.22).

Table 4.22: Weekend Opening Hours

No. of Respondents

Weekend hours would encourage use of libraries 12

Weekend hours would not encourage use of libraries 11

Respondents had the opportunity to comment on their responses to

library-related questions. Comments were more inclined to be positive

than negative. Positive comments expressed residents’ satisfaction with

the library service in general, as well as with regard to staff, book selection

and the mobile bus service. A minority of comments were negative with

29


the main area of improvement noted as being a need for a better selection

of books (Table 4.23, overleaf).

Table 4.23: Further Comments About Libraries

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

Positive Happy with library/ Good/ Excellent service

101 48%

Good/ Helpful staff 40 19%

Good book bus service 22 11%

Needs to be open longer/ more 17 8%

Good selection/ Well stocked 15 7%

They will transfer books between libraries 6 3%

Well maintained/ presented 6 3%

Accessible 4 2%

Good opening hours 2 1%

Wiggle & Rhyme is good 2 1%

Book transfer service is expensive 2 1%

Use GDC/ ICC library as have better selection

2 1%

My family use the library 2 1%

Other: Free internet, email reminder good, good to have local library, joining soon

4 2%

Negative Need better selection/ variety 8 4%

Lack of mobile library in area 3 1%

Should be Pay-To- Use 3 1%

Library could be more presentable 3 1%

Wifi should not be available to tourists/ ratepayers should not have to pay

3 1%

Some staff unfriendly 3 1%

Do not downsize book bus 2 1%

No library in area 2 1%

Should be larger 2 1%

Wifi should not be free 2 1%

Other 14 7%


30


This section refers to urban residents (n = 320). Respondents in urban

areas discussed their satisfaction with street lighting and footpaths

provided by Southland District Council. Most residents (84%) were

satisfied with the level of street lighting provided by Southland District

Council and this level of satisfaction exceeds the LOS target of 80%. Over

half of the respondents were satisfied with the footpaths. However

satisfaction has declined for this measure since 2007 (Figure 5.1).

Table 5.1: Satisfaction with Street lighting and Footpaths

L

OS

Targ

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Nu

mb

er

of

Resp

on

den

ts

The level of street lighting 80% 84% 38% 46% 13% 3% 309

Footpaths - 58% 21% 37% 28% 14% 288

Figure 5.1 Satisfaction with Street lighting and Footpaths

58%

84%

42%

16%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Footpaths

The level of streetlighting


Residents of

Mararoa/ Waimea were most satisfied

(75% satisfied) with their footpaths

31


Figure 5.2 Satisfaction with Street lighting and Footpaths, Trend Data

Most comments about street lighting focussed on a need for more of it.

The footpaths were seen as being dangerous, uneven and requiring

maintenance. Some respondents felt that the Council needs to provide

more footpaths (Table 5.2).

Table 5.2 Further Comments about Street lighting and Footpaths

No. of Respondents

Street lighting

Need more street lighting/ Lack of street lights 12

Too dim 3

Don't need street lighting/ Too many street lights 2

Lighting is left on during the day too often 2

Street lighting needs maintenance 1


Footpaths Dangerous/ uneven footpaths/ Need maintenance 74

Need more footpaths/ Lack of footpaths 19

Happy with maintenance services 5

Continue with maintenance programme 2

Disagree with the way Council does things 2

Footpaths are good 2

Other: Prompt repairs when reported, cost, improvement 5


50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014

% of respondents very satisfied and satisfied

Streetlighting Footpaths safety

32


Respondents in urban areas rated their satisfaction with sewerage

services provided by Southland District Council. The LOS target for this

measure was 90%. Nearly all residents (94%) were satisfied with the

sewerage system. Levels of satisfaction exceeded the LOS target of 90%

and have remained stable over time (Figure 5.3).

Table 5.3: Satisfaction with Sewerage System

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Nu

mb

er

of

Resp

on

den

ts

The sewerage system 90% 94% 58% 36% 3% 3% 288

Figure 5.3 Satisfaction with Sewerage System

94%

6%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The seweragesystem


33


Figure 5.4 Satisfaction with Sewerage System, Trend Data

Table 5.4 lists all the comments about the sewerage system. The most

common responses referred to the expense of the sewerage system and

that the system was not performing very well.

Table 5.4 Further Comments about the Sewerage System

No. of Respondents

Expensive 6

Poor sewerage system 4

Disagree with sewerage plan for Manapouri Airport 2

Unhappy with sewerage in estuary 2

Had to install own pump 2

Other Agree/ disagree with sewerage plans Te Anau, overflow Te Anau airport, leakages, good service, root damage

7


Urban residents rated their satisfaction with the town water supply. The

LOS target for the overall quality of the council water supply was 90%.

Southland’s urban water supply was rated highly in terms of its quality

(86%) and reliability (97%). Satisfaction with the quality of the town water

supply was almost in line with the LOS target of 90%. Both measures have

improved from previous surveys (Figure 5.6).

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014


Sewerage

34


Table 5.5: Satisfaction with Urban Water Supply

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Nu

mb

er

of

Resp

on

den

ts

The overall quality of the Council supplied water

90% 86% 41% 45% 11% 3% 270

The reliability of the town water supply - 97% 65% 32% 2% 1% 271

Figure 5.5 Satisfaction with Urban Water Supply

Figure 5.6 Satisfaction with Urban Water Supply, Trend Data

The most common comment about the mains water supply was about the

taste of the water (Table 5.6).

97%

86%

3%

14%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The reliability of thetown water supply

The overall quality ofthe Council supplied

water


50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014


Water Quality Water reliability

35


Table 5.6 Further Comments about Urban Water Supply

No. of Respondents

Tastes bad 11

Too chlorinated 10

Expensive 4

Good service/ Quick to repair damage 3

Quality is erratic 2

Frequent interruptions 2

Other 3


Residents were satisfied with the wheelie bin collection (93% satisfied).

Satisfaction was in line with the LOS target for this measure and in line

with previous surveys (Figure 5.8).

Table 5.7 Satisfaction with Wheelie Bin Collection

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Num

ber

of

Respon

dents

Wheelie bin collection 90% 93% 60% 33% 5% 2% 311

Figure 5.7 Satisfaction with Wheelie Bin Collection

93%

7%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The wheelie bincollection


36


Figure 5.8 Satisfaction with Wheelie Bin Collection, Trend Data

Comments about the wheelie bin collection centred around improving the

green waste and recycling services and collecting bins weekly (Table 5.8).

Table 5.8 Further Comments about the Wheelie Bin Collection

Number of Respondents

Bins should be collected weekly 11

Need green waste service 4

Improve recycling service 4

Need another Transfer Station 3

Need more public bins 3

Failure to collect bins 2

Bin collection not value for money 2

Other 7


5.1 Waste Minimisation

Urban residents rated their level of agreement with a statement about their

attitude to waste management, ‘I care about minimising the amount of

waste going to the landfill’21. Nearly all (91%) claimed to care about the

amount of waste going into the landfill.

Note this question has changed from previous surveys ‘Southlanders care about minimising the amount of waste going to the landfill’, so the data is no longer comparable.

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014


Wheelie bin collection

37


Table 5.9: Attitude to Waste Minimisation

MT

A

Str

on

gly

Ag

ree

Ag

ree

Dis

ag

ree

Str

on

gly

Dis

ag

ree

Num

ber

of

Respon

dents

I care about minimising the amount of waste going to the landfill

91% 48% 44% 8% 1% 305

Figure 5.9 Attitude to Waste Minimisation

91%

9%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I care about minimisingthe amount of waste going

to the landfill

Disagree Agree

38


6.1 Council Operating Hours

The Southland District Councils’ District Support includes operating

council offices in the district. The LOS target for this measure was 90%.

Nearly all residents (96%) were satisfied with the hours of operation of

Council offices. The satisfaction for this measure exceeded the expected

LOS target of 90% (Figure 6.1).

Table 6.1: Satisfaction with Council Office Operating Hours

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sa

tisfied

Satisfie

d

Dis

satisfied

Very

Dis

satisfied

Num

ber

of

Respon

dents

The hours of operation of Council offices

90% 96% 32% 64% 4% 1% 645

Figure 6.1 Satisfaction with Council Office Operating Hours

96%

4%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Satisfaction withthe hours ofoperation of

Council offices


LOS Target90%

39


6.2 Contact with the Council

Half (53%) of the respondents had contacted the Council in the previous

twelve months (Table 6.2).

Table 6.2: Contact with the Council

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

Had contacted the Council 400 53%

Had not contacted the Council 351 47%

Table 6.3 details the complete list of reasons for contacting the Council.

The main reasons for contacting the Council were for:

housing and building consents (25% comments);

rates (18% comments);

animal control (18% comments);

roads (16% comments);

utilities and services (15% comments);

public amenities such as venue hire (10% comments); and

legislation (8% comments).

Table 6.3 Reason for Contact with the Council

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

25% Housing, building consents, resource consents

Building consent/ permit 59 15%

Housing/ Land issues 19 5%

Resource consents 16 4%

Building inspector 5 1%

Other: Survey maps, titles, zoning, planning, sub division, property purchase

6 2%

18% Rates Rates/ taxes 71 18%

18% Animal control Dog registration 41 10%

Dog control 20 5%

Stray/ loose animals 8 2%

Issues with livestock 3 1%

16% Roads Roads 54 14%

Footpaths 6 2%

Speed limits 2 1%

Oversize/weight road permits 1 0%

15% Utilities and Services

Leak/ burst water main 13 3%

Rubbish 13 3%

Contact with the Council was more

likely to occur among residents

aged 30+ and urban residents

40


No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

Water scheme/ supply 9 2%

Stormwater 3 1%

Drainage 2 1%

Sewerage 7 2%

Environmental issues 6 2%

Street lighting 6 2%

Wheelie bins service 6 2%

10% Public amenities

Issues regarding public maintenance

18 5%

Library/ book services 5 1%

Venue hiring 5 1%

Cemetery issues 3 1%

Event organisation 3 1%

Freedom campers 3 1%

Heritage 2 1%

Other: Camping, community centre management, rugby club, swimming pool

4 1%

8% Legislation Fire permits 15 4%

Legislation/ by-laws 6 2%

Noise control 5 1%

Liquor/ bar license 5 1%

7% General Dispute with neighbours 6 2%

Work/ employment issues 8 2%

General enquiries 3 1%

Opening hours for Council facilities 2 1%

Grants 2 1%

Other 8 2%

Don't remember 2 1%


Table 6.4 (overleaf) shows the frequency of each method of contact.

Residents mainly contacted the Council by telephone or by visiting the

Council offices.

41


Table 6.4: Frequency of Contact with the Council

Alw

ays

Mo

st

of

the

tim

e

So

meti

me

s

Neve

r

Telephone call 27% 23% 29% 22%

Visit to Council office(s) 14% 14% 41% 32%

E-mail 2% 5% 19% 75%

'Postal Mail/ Letter 1% 1% 12% 86%

Council website 1% 4% 11% 84%

Fax - - 4% 96%

Residents rated their satisfaction with each method of contact with the

Council. Residents were generally satisfied with all forms of contact with

the Council (Table 6.5), particularly with visits to Council offices (MTS

94%).

Table 6.5: Satisfaction with Contact with the Council

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Num

ber

of

Respon

dents

Telephone 87% 50% 37% 8% 5% 313

Visit to Council office 94% 66% 29% 4% 2% 272

E-mail 89% 47% 42% 7% 4% 101

Postal Mail/ Letter 87% 29% 58% 5% 7% 58

Council website 88% 28% 60% 6% 6% 66

Fax 79% 29% 50% 14% 7% 15

Respondents were asked if they had any other comments regarding their

responses about customer service (Table 6.6, overleaf). Comments were

relatively evenly split between positive and negative comments. Positive

comments centred around Council staff being helpful and friendly by

providing good customer service. Negative comments centred around the

lack of or slow response rate of staff and the general dissatisfaction with

the customer service.

42


Table 6.6 Further Comments about Council Customer Service

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

57% Positive

Staff are helpful 22 22%

Staff are good 18 18%

Customer service is good 14 14%

Staff are friendly/ polite 14 14%

Customer service is good 14 14%

Fast response 6 6%

Good website 1 1%

51% Negative

Council do not return calls/ emails/ queries 13 13%

Slow response/ no response 9 9%

Dissatisfied with service 7 7%

Website is difficult/ confusing 5 5%

Staff are rude/ unhelpful 7 7%

Council office hours are inconvenient 3 3%

Council too scared to make decisions - concentrating on following rules

2 2%

Dissatisfied with Dog Control 2 2%

Staff are not interested in working at the end of the day

2 2%

Staff need to be more professional 2 2%

Other: Issues with Building Inspector, lack of parking at Council, poor rates payment system

3 3%


43


6.3 Visits to Council Offices

Respondents were most likely to visit the Council offices in Invercargill

(45%), followed by Te Anau (20%). Winton, Riverton and Otautau all had

similar levels of visitation (Table 6.7).

Table 6.7: Visitation of Council Offices

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

Invercargill 124 45%

Te Anau 55 20%

Winton 43 16%

Riverton 40 14%

Otautau 38 14%

Lumsden 22 8%

Stewart Island 7 3%

Wyndham 2 1%

Don't recall 4 1%

Number of Respondents 276

44


6.4 Information and Consultation

Residents discussed how they currently received information from the

Council, and how they would prefer to receive information in the future.

Currently, the most common form of communication from the Council was

in the form of SDC newsletters, newspapers, circulars and mail drops.

These were also the most preferred forms of communication along with

email.

Table 6.8: Current and Preferred Sources of Information

Currently Receive Prefer to Receive

SDC newsletters (e.g. First Edition) 64% 41%

Circulars/ flyers 21% 18%

Newspapers 21% 12%

Mail/ letter drop 9% 11%

Email 1% 9%

Council website 6% 5%

Personal contact with Council staff 4% 3%

Radio advertisements 4% 2%

Word of mouth 4% 1%

Rates bill 3% 1%

Public meeting 1% 1%

Councillors 1% 1%

Telephone 1% 1%

Social media 1% 1%

Television 1% 0%

Don't (need to) receive any information 2% 3%

Don't know 2% 15%

Number of Respondents 751 751

Respondents that currently received and would prefer to receive

information from newspapers (Table 6.8) were asked which newspapers

they were referring to. Note for ease of analysis, Table 6.9 (overleaf) is

proportioned out of the total sample. The most currently read newspaper

and preferred newspaper to receive information from was the Southland

Times.

45


Table 6.9: Newspapers

Currently Receive Prefer to Receive

Southland Times 13% 7%

Fiordland Advocate 3% 2%

Southland Express 3% 2%

Ensign 2% 1%

Winton Record 2% 1%

The Eye 1% 1%

Western Star 1% 0%

Newslink 1% 0%

Don't know 2% 1%

Don’t receive/ don’t want to receive information from newspapers

70% 84%

Number of Respondents 751 751

6.4.1 First Edition

Respondents were prompted about whether they read at least one edition

of First Edition (the Council’s quarterly newsletter) in the past year. The

LOS Target for this measure was 85% which is in line with the proportion

who had read First Edition (86%).

Table 6.10: Reading of First Edition

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

LOS Target 85%

Had read First Edition at least once 648 86%

Had not read First Edition 103 14%

46


Figure 6.2 Reading of First Edition

6.5 Internet Access

Respondents discussed their access to the internet, and knowledge of

Southland District Council’s online services. Most respondents (86%) had

access to the internet and this was mainly in the form of broadband

(wireless) internet.

Table 6.11: Access to the Internet

No. of

Respondents % of

Respondents

Access to the internet 644 86%

Broadband (wireless internet) 558 87%

Dial up 32 5%

Mobile internet 28 4%

Don’t know 26 4%

Two thirds of respondents (68%) were aware that they could pay rates,

lodge a request for service, view library information and re-register a dog

online on the SDC website.

Table 6.12: Awareness of Online Services

No. of

Respondents % of

Respondents

Aware 510 68%

Not Aware 241 32%

47


6.6 Grants and Donations

Southland District Council provides a variety of grants for community

projects, sports teams and rural travel. Three quarters (77%) of residents

were aware of these grants, which exceeds the LOS target (60%) for this

measure.

Table 6.13: Awareness of Grants

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

LOS Target - 60%

Yes, aware 575 77%

No, not aware 176 23%

Figure 6.3 Awareness of Grants

6.6.1 Information and Consultation

Residents rated how satisfied they were with how informed they were kept

by the Council and the level of consultation with the community over

important issues. Residents were satisfied (MTS 82%) with how well

informed they were with Council activities. This contrasts with a lower level

of satisfaction with the amount of Council consultation with the community

over important issues (MTS 69%). SDC failed to reach the LOS Target for

community consultation (LOS 80%). Figure 6.5 (overleaf) demonstrates

that satisfaction with information and consultation has declined since

2009.

77%

23%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Awarenessof grants forcommunityprojects,sports

teams andrural travel

Not Aware Aware

LOS Target60%

Satisfaction with community

consultation was highest among

residents of Waiau/ Aparima and

Waihopai/ Toetoes

48


Table 6.14: Satisfaction with Information and Consultation

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Nu

mb

er

of

Resp

on

den

ts

How well informed residents have been of Council activities

- 82% 20% 63% 16% 1% 722

The level of consultation with the community over important issues

80% 69% 11% 58% 25% 6% 660

Figure 6.4 Satisfaction with Information and Consultation

Figure 6.5 Satisfaction with Information and Consultation, Trend Data

Respondents were given the opportunity to comment on their satisfaction

with information and consultation. Most comments centred around the

need for the Council and community boards to communicate, consult, be

responsive and listen to residents (82% of comments). Some respondents

(16% of comments) felt that the Council was doing a good job already

(Table 6.15 overleaf).

69%

82%

31%

18%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The level of consultation with the communityundertaken by the Council over important issues

How well you have been kept informed of Councilactivities over the past year


LOS Target =

80%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014


Kept informed Level of consultation

49


Table 6.15: Further Comments Regarding Information and Consultation

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

16% Council does a good job

Council does good job 11 9%

Council communicates well 8 7%

82% Council communication and consultation

Council needs to communicate more/ be more open

42 35%

Council needs to consult more/ listen to residents

35 29%

Council needs to be more responsive

7 6%

First Edition is too elaborate/ need to be down to earth

7 6%

Community Boards need to communicate more/ be more open

5 4%

Council office hours are inconvenient

2 2%

Don't need constant Council updates

2 2%

Online services not very efficient 2 2%

Too complicated to make submissions/ given too short notice

2 2%

Website is slow/ confusing 2 2%

Other: Dislike ads, more face to face

2 2%

4% Other Council should not give out so many grants

2 2%

Other: lacks planning, too much paperwork

3 3%

Sample responded to question 12124 -

6.6.2 Representation and Decision Making

Respondents rated their level of agreement with statements about

Southland District Council’s level of representation and local decision

making. Respondents were asked to rate how much they agreed or

disagreed with each statement on a scale of one to four where, 1 =

strongly disagree, 2 = agree, 3 = disagree and 4 = strongly agree. An MTA

(more than agree) score was calculated, by adding together the

respondents who ‘agreed’ and ‘strongly agreed’ with each statement.

Most respondents agreed that SDC represented the interests, values and

desires of district residents (83%). Slightly fewer (71%) agreed that SDC

allowed decisions to be made locally by local people.

50


Table 6.16: SDC’s Level of Representation and Local Decision-Making

MT

A

Str

on

gly

Ag

ree

Ag

ree

Dis

ag

ree

Str

on

gly

Dis

ag

ree

Nu

mb

er

of

Resp

on

den

ts

Southland District Council represents the interests, values and desires of the district residents

83% 16% 67% 14% 3% 689

Southland District Council allows decisions to be made locally by local people

72% 11% 60% 22% 6% 665

Figure 6.6 SDC’s Level of Representation and Local Decision-Making

51


7 Organisational Performance

7.1 Organisational Performance

Respondents discussed the performance of the Southland District

Council. For each aspect of the Council, residents rated their satisfaction

on a four point scale where 1 = very dissatisfied, 2 = satisfied, 3 =

dissatisfied and 4 = very satisfied. To make the results easier to interpret

a MTS score has been calculated where the % very satisfied and %

satisfied are added together. The following aspects regarding the Council

were rated:

The Council, including Mayor and Councillors, with regard to

decision-making, planning and leadership (LOS Target = 85%);

Local Community Boards and Community Development Area

Sub-Committees (local decision-making and planning) (LOS

Target = 85%); and

Council Staff with regard to effectiveness and advice.

Respondents were most satisfied with the performance of Council staff

(MTS 85%). This was closely followed by the Council itself (the Mayor and

Councillors with regard to decision making MTS 82%). Satisfaction with

local community boards and community development sub committees

was slightly lower than this (MTS 76%). Satisfaction with local community

boards fell slightly short of its LOS target. Over the past year, satisfaction

with community boards and Council staff have declined slightly.

Table 7.1: Satisfaction with Organisational Performance

LO

S T

arg

et

MT

S

Very

Sati

sfi

ed

Sati

sfi

ed

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Very

Dis

sati

sfi

ed

Num

ber

of

respond

ents

The Council, including Mayor and Councillors, with regard to decision-making, planning and leadership

85% 82% 15% 67% 15% 3% 605

Local Community Boards and Community Development Area Sub-Committees

85% 76% 17% 59% 19% 5% 594

Council Staff with regard to effectiveness and advice

- 85% 25% 60% 12% 3% 600

Residents of Waiau/ Aparima,

Waihopai/ Toetoes and

Winton/ Wallacetown were more satisfied with

their local community boards

and Community development area sub committees

52


Figure 7.1 Satisfaction with Organisational Performance

Figure 7.2 Satisfaction with Organisational Performance, Trend Data

Table 7.2 details respondents’ comments about the performance of the

Council. One-fifth of respondents commented that the Council staff were

doing a good job (23%). Comments about how the Council’s performance

could be improved centred around a need for greater communication and

consultation with the Council (31% comments). Other comments included

aspects to do with Council staff (23% comments) and the bureaucracy and

competence of community boards and Council processes (24%

comments).

85%

76%

82%

15%

24%

18%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Council Staff with regard to effectiveness andadvice

Local Community Boards and CommunityDevelopment Area Sub-Committees

Council, including the Mayor and Councillors


50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2007 2008 2009 2011 2014


Council CBs & CDAs Staff

53


Table

No. of Respondents

% of Respondents

23% Doing a good job Council staff are a doing good job 21 19%

Community Board doing good job 4 4%

31% Communication, consultation

Council needs to be more open/ communicate more

16 15%

Community Boards need to be more open/ communicate more

11 10%

Council needs to consult/ listen to residents

8 7%

Community Board needs to consult/ listen to residents

2 2%

24% Bureaucracy, competence

Community Board don't have much power/ need more authority

8 7%

Issues with buildings/ consents 6 6%

Too much bureaucracy/ red tape 5 5%

Community Board is poor/ need to improve

4 4%

Difficult to change old rules 2 2%

Always room for improvement 1 1%

23% Council staff Council staff need to be more professional

9 8%

New Mayor has not been in long enough to comment/ judge

5 5%

New Mayor doing good job 3 3%

Council needs new people 3 3%

Other: Council staff unapproachable, Building inspectors more efficient, letters replied to, new Mayor to step up, too many Councillors.

5 5%

6% Finance Need to improve financial management

2 2%

Lack of funds 1 1%

Rates are too high/ keep increasing

3 3%

3% Other Need a Community Board in Lumsden

2 2%

Slow to organise repairs 1 1%


54


8 Appendix I: Satisfaction Measures by Age

The following tables show satisfaction measures by age.

Table 8.1 Sample by Age

No. of Respondents

18 - 29 73

30 - 39 144

40 - 49 155

50 - 59 153

60 - 69 110

70 years plus 116

Total number of respondents 751

8.1 Satisfaction with Council Services

Table 8.2 Satisfaction with Council Services

% very satisfied and satisfied

18 -

29

30 -

39

40 -

49

50 -

59

60 -

69

70 p

lus


98% 79% 82% 84% 86% 91%

The standard of community centre(s) 98% 79% 75% 82% 88% 88%


94% 92% 91% 93% 95% 92%

Dog control 80% 74% 75% 66% 72% 63%

Livestock control 86% 85% 83% 76% 88% 92%


91% 88% 90% 93% 89% 97%


91% 83% 85% 90% 93% 90%


91% 84% 84% 88% 83% 86%


94% 95% 96% 98% 91% 93%


75% 71% 68% 77% 86% 91%


55% 70% 73% 79% 81% 87%

The location of refuse transfer stations 80% 70% 80% 78% 82% 84%

The opening hours of refuse transfer stations

69% 63% 55% 68% 74% 71%

The location of recycling centre(s) 84% 69% 72% 82% 82% 89%

55


Table 8.3 Agreement with Provision of Safe Roads

% strongly agree and agree

18 -

29

30 -

39

40 -

49

50 -

59

60 -

69

70 p

lus

Council sealed roads are adequately maintained

64% 63% 68% 59% 64% 79%

Council unsealed roads are maintained for a safe and comfortable speed of 70km/hr

55% 37% 41% 39% 47% 56%


90% 80% 82% 75% 81% 88%

Table 8.4 Accessed Council Provided Library or Book Bus in the Southland District

% accessed library

18 -

29

30 -

39

40 -

49

50 -

59

60 -

69

70 p

lus

Accessed library or book bus 38% 46% 43% 49% 46% 58%

8.2 Satisfaction with Council Township Services

Table 8.5 Attitude to Waste Minimisation

% agree strongly and agree

18 -

29

30 -

39

40 -

49

50 -

59

60 -

69

70 p

lus


92% 93% 96% 92% 81% 93%

Table 8.6 Satisfaction with Council Township Services


18 -

29

30 -

39

40 -

49

50 -

59

60 -

69

70 p

lus

Wheelie bin collection 91% 98% 87% 94% 98% 92%


100% 74% 86% 87% 88% 85%

The reliability of the town water supply 100% 100% 94% 98% 94% 97%

The level of street lighting 83% 77% 74% 82% 86% 93%

Footpaths 55% 53% 59% 62% 56% 62%

The sewerage system 95% 90% 96% 94% 90% 99%

56


8.3 Accessibility

Table 8.7 Contact with the Council


18 -

29

30 -

39

40 -

49

50 -

59

60 -

69

70 p

lus

% Contact with Council 36% 65% 55% 55% 48% 50%

Method of Contact (% satisfied)

Telephone 81% 87% 90% 84% 89% 87%

Email 90% 87% 86% 86% 90% 100%

Visit to Council office 87% 91% 92% 98% 95% 93%

* sample too low for remaining methods

Table 8.8 Satisfaction with Council Office Operating Hours, by Age


18 -

29

30 -

39

40 -

49

50 -

59

60 -

69

70 p

lus

Council operating hours 95% 93% 96% 96% 95% 98%


Table 8.9 Satisfaction with Information and Consultation, by Age


18 -

29

30 -

39

40 -

49

50 -

59

60 -

69

70 p

lus

How well you have been kept informed of Council activities

73% 81% 83% 82% 87% 87%


72% 70% 62% 67% 71% 76%

Table 8.10 SDC’s Level of Representation and Local Decision Making

% strongly agree and agree

18 -

29

30 -

39

40 -

49

50 -

59

60 -

69

70 p

lus

Southland District Council represents the interests, values and desires of the district resident

83% 84% 85% 79% 83% 83%


79% 79% 70% 64% 66% 75%

57



Table 8.11 Satisfaction with Organisational Performance, by Age


18 -

29

30 -

39

40 -

49

50 -

59

60 -

69

70 p

lus

Council, including the Mayor and Councillors with regard to decision making, planning and leadership

87% 82% 83% 78% 84% 83%


81% 81% 74% 75% 74% 75%


86% 85% 85% 86% 81% 87%

58


9 Appendix II: Satisfaction Measures by Ward

The following tables show satisfaction measures by Ward.

Table 9.1 Sample by Ward

No. of Respondents

Mararoa/ Waimea 189

Waiau/ Aparima 186

Waihopai/ Toetoes 160

Winton/ Wallacetown 202

Stewart Island/ Rakiura 5026





Mara

roa/

Waim

ea

Waia

u/

Ap

ari

ma

Waih

op

ai/

To

eto

es

Win

ton

/

Wall

aceto

wn

Ste

wart

Isla

nd

/

Rakiu

ra


92% 77% 85% 86% 98%

The standard of community centre(s) 92% 80% 76% 81% 100%


94% 95% 92% 90% 94%

Dog control 78% 68% 69% 71% 60%

Livestock control 86% 86% 86% 80% 76%


92% 93% 91% 91% 85%


91% 90% 84% 88% 80%


88% 81% 86% 89% 78%


99% 95% 93% 93% 90%


71% 85% 75% 79% 80%


73% 79% 63% 81% 87%

The location of refuse transfer stations 79% 79% 74% 81% 78%

The opening hours of refuse transfer stations 71% 66% 61% 65% 87%

he Stewart Island/Rakiura Ward is smaller than the other SDC wards, so the sample drawn from the population share estimates is only n = 14. Given the imprecision associated with the survey results from such a small sample, Research First oversampled the Ward with an n = 50 sample.

59



Mara

roa/

Waim

ea

Waia

u/

Ap

ari

ma

Waih

op

ai/

To

eto

es

Win

ton

/

Wall

aceto

wn

Ste

wart

Isla

nd

/

Rakiu

ra

The location of recycling centre(s) 81% 78% 79% 77% 76%

Table 9.3 Agreement with the Provision of Safe Roads


Mara

roa/

Waim

ea

Waia

u/ A

pa

rim

a

Waih

op

ai/

To

eto

es

Win

ton

/

Wall

aceto

wn

Ste

wart

Isla

nd

/

Rakiu

ra

Council sealed roads are adequately maintained.

67% 69% 64% 65% 62%


51% 51% 32% 42% 49%


81% 85% 70% 88% 81%

Table 9.4 Accessed Council Provided Library or Book Bus in the Southland District

% accessed a library

Mara

roa/

Waim

ea

Waia

u/ A

pa

rim

a

Waih

op

ai/

To

eto

es

Win

ton

/

Wall

aceto

wn

Ste

wart

Isla

nd

/

Rakiu

ra

Accessed library or book bus 50% 49% 34% 50% 78%

9.2 Satisfaction with Council Township Services

Table 9.5 Attitude to Waste Minimisation


Mara

roa/

Waim

ea

Waia

u/ A

pa

rim

a

Waih

op

ai/

To

eto

es

Win

ton

/

Wall

aceto

wn

Ste

wart

Isla

nd

/

Rakiu

ra*


95% 86% 95% 90% 92%

60



Mara

roa/

Waim

ea

Waia

u/ A

pa

rim

a

Waih

op

ai/

To

eto

es

Win

ton

/

Wall

aceto

wn

Ste

wart

Isla

nd

/

Rakiu

ra*

Wheelie bin collection 95% 93% 90% 94% 97%


93% 74% 79% 94% -

The reliability of the town water supply 100% 94% 97% 96% -

The level of street lighting 75% 89% 86% 85% 80%

Footpaths 75% 57% 53% 48% 44%

The sewerage system 92% 100% 92% 93% 91%

* Note No reporting for Stewart Island due to the low number of urban residents there

9.3 Accessibility


Mara

roa/

Waim

ea

Waia

u/ A

pa

rim

a

Waih

op

ai/

To

eto

es

Win

ton

/

Wall

aceto

wn

Ste

wart

Isla

nd

/

Rakiu

ra

% Contact with the Council 59% 60% 48% 47% 56%

Method of Contact (% Satisfied)*

Telephone 93% 89% 92% 93% 95%

Email 94% 90% 81% 83% *

Visit to Council office 96% 96% 90% 90% 100%

* Sample too low for remaining methods


Mara

roa/

Waim

ea

Waia

u/ A

pa

rim

a

Waih

op

ai/

To

eto

es

Win

ton

/

Wall

aceto

wn

Ste

wart

Isla

nd

/

Rakiu

ra

The hours of operation of Council offices 95% 97% 95% 97% 81%

61




Mara

roa/

Waim

ea

Waia

u/ A

pa

rim

a

Waih

op

ai/

To

eto

es

Win

ton

/

Wall

aceto

wn

Ste

wart

Isla

nd

/

Rakiu

ra

How well you have been kept informed of Council activities

82% 85% 82% 82% 78%


67% 70% 74% 69% 50%


Mara

roa/

Waim

ea

Waia

u/ A

pa

rim

a

Waih

op

ai/

To

eto

es

Win

ton

/

Wall

aceto

wn

Ste

wart

Isla

nd

/

Rakiu

ra


84% 83% 83% 84% 67%


70% 71% 77% 73% 72%



Mara

roa/

Waim

ea

Waia

u/

Ap

ari

ma

Waih

op

ai/

To

eto

es

Win

ton

/

Wall

aceto

wn

Ste

wart

Isla

nd

/

Rakiu

ra

Council, including the Mayor and Councillors with regard to decision making, planning and leader

81% 82% 82% 85% 64%


67% 81% 82% 79% 74%


84% 85% 87% 87% 83%

62


10 Appendix III: Satisfaction Measures by Urban/ Rural

The following tables show satisfaction measures by urban or rural

residents.

Table 10.1 Sample of Urban/ Rural Residents

No. of Respondents

Urban 319

Rural 432





Urb

an

Ru

ral

The availability of community centre(s) for use 83% 87%

The standard of community centre(s) 85% 82%

Satisfaction with the appearance of Council-owned cemeteries 92% 93%

Dog control 66% 75%

Livestock control 85% 84%


90% 92%


89% 88%


85% 86%

Location of libraries and access to the mobile library 96% 94%

The availability of public toilets for residents and tourists 82% 74%

The quality of public toilets for residents and tourists 84% 69%

The location of refuse transfer stations 89% 70%

The opening hours of refuse transfer stations 67% 65%

The location of recycling centre(s) 83% 75%

Table 10.3 Agreement with the Provision of Safe Roads

% Strongly agree and agree

Urb

an

Ru

ral

Council sealed roads are adequately maintained. 69% 64%


58% 35%

I feel safe travelling on Southland District roads 85% 79%

63


Table 10.4 Access to a Council Provided Library or Book Bus

Urb

an

Ru

ral

Access to library or book bus 54% 42%

10.2 Accessibility

Table 10.5 Satisfaction with Contact with the Council, by Urban/ Rural


Urb

an

Ru

ral

% Contact with the Council 58% 50%

Method of Contact (% Satisfied)

Telephone 88% 86%

Email 88% 90%

Visit to Council office 96% 92%

* sample too low for remaining methods

Table 10.6 Satisfaction with Council Operating Hours, by Urban/ Rural

Urb

an

Ru

ral

The hours of operation of Council offices 95% 96%


Table 10.7 Satisfaction with Information and Consultation, by Urban/ Rural


Urb

an

Ru

ral

How well you have been kept informed of Council activities 85% 81%


70% 68%

Table 10.8 SDC’s Level of Representation and Local Decision-Making, by Urban/ Rural

% Strongly agree and agree

Urb

an

Ru

ral


85% 81%


72% 71%

64



Table 10.9 Satisfaction with Organisational Performance, by Urban/ Rural


Urb

an

Ru

ral

Council, including the Mayor and Councillors with regard to decision making, planning and leader

84% 81%


76% 76%

Council Staff with regard to effectiveness and advice 88% 83%

65


11 Survey Questionnaire

66


67


68


69


70


71


72


73


12 Verbatim Comments

At the end of the survey respondents were asked whether they had any

further comments to pass on to SDC. These have been provided as

verbatim comments in this section.

12.1 Mararoa/ Waimea

All year round swimming pool in Te Anau. (Female, 50 - 59)

As opposed to the First Edition, it should be a cheaper form like a double page to reduce the costs. (Female, 70 years plus)

Changes to the road are needed. We need to have a roundabout at the top end of the main street because it would reduce congestion. (Male, 40 - 49)

Cost of rates are too high. (Male, 70 years plus)

Council could fight for the speed zones to be dropped in areas surrounding towns where children are using roads. (Female, 30 - 39)

Don't put Te Anau sewerage in Manapouri. (Female, 50 - 59)

First Edition appears to be a high glossy expensive publication and I believe it would be just as effective to be sent electronically. Had a lot of complaints about the previous Council and its leadership - but now 2014, I'm very happy. (Male, 70 years plus)

I decline ringing the Council as I know many people in rural areas feel they won't get anywhere with them. (Female, 50 - 59)

I feel the surveys are not taken seriously; they just fulfil criteria for reporting. (Female, 60 - 69)

I received an extra rates bill from the Council and rang the Invercargill District Council Office. The staff member who answered the phone call was very rude to me and didn't bother to check the account records properly, which would've fixed the problem immediately. I ended up overpaying my account and was in credit for the amount of the extra bill. (Male, 30 - 39)

I think that the submissions (for subdivisions and facilities) that are put in, get disregarded in some cases. (Male, 70 years plus)

I would really like my road sealed. (Female, 60 - 69)

I'd like a road to go through to the West Coast from Hollyford. It was surveyed and should be done and it will benefit Te Anau - there will be a complete circuit route of South Island. So if they do the alternative plan tourists won't often come to Te Anau but will go to Queenstown. The monorail won't work - I'm against it. (Male, 60 - 69)

I'm unsure if the Local Community Board or the Council had the final decision on the Manapouri pipeline, but more consultation allowing for feedback from the Community was needed. (Female, 60 - 69)

I'm interested in how to get grants for Search and Rescue. (Male, 40 - 49)

I-site and local tourist info centres should be promoted a bit more. The staff should be more informed about local areas. (Female, 40 - 49)

74


It would be nice to see the new Mayor visit Lumsden, we are a little area and it is early in the year, but it is nice to feel important. (Female, 40 - 49)

Just the footpath issue: If the children are walking to school, either they get wet feet or they have to walk on the road. (Female, 40 - 49)

Just to consult more often and more accurately with the residents. (Male, 50 - 59)

Less rates to pay. (Male, 70 years plus)

Like to see more support from the SDC for issues that have a huge impact on our community like the monorail, it feels isolating that's it just us fighting against the monorail. (Female, 30 - 39)

Local towns take pride in their appearance and when mowing is not done right, the locals get upset. (Male, 60 - 69)

Looking forward to what the new Mayor is going to do for Southland District. (Female, 40 - 49)

Lucky to live in Southland District with good facilities. (Female, 30 - 39)

Most people who visit Waikaia are impressed with the small town's neatness. (Male, 60 - 69)

Need to fix the gravel roads. (Female, 60 - 69)

Overall, they are doing a reasonable job, but they need to be aware of the rate burden they place on the community. (Male, 60 - 69)

Problem with the sewerage scheme - we need more information. Council development of residential land - ratepayers pay for the services regardless, new services built for the projected capacity but that might not be for years. (Female, 50 - 59)

Ratepayer services are good like the library and rubbish collection. (Female, 70 years plus)

Ratepayers at wits end for increasing rates - putting too much pressure on landowners. (Male, 50 - 59)

Rates are ridiculously high. Council needs to get back to core services. Some people on minimum wage are struggling to pay the rates. (Male, 50 - 59)

Rugby grounds in Mossburn used to have a row of trees, then they took them out and built a fence - the trees were doing a good thing, blocking out the winds for the kids' rugby. (Male, 50 - 59)

Stop rates increases it is becoming a problem. (Male, 70 years plus)

Stormwater not draining in my street - I've put in an official complaint but they say it is my problem; nothing has been done so far. (Male, 70 years plus)

The Council are trying to stop residents building on their own private land. It is making everyone very unhappy because they pay rates and personally own the land. (Female, 50 - 59)

The District Council should put a lot more effort into the sewerage systems in small towns, it has a negative impact on the water quality - need to increase the performance of them. (Male, 60 - 69)

The Manapouri airport was paid for by us but we have received no shares in it. The Te Anau sewerage scheme is example of penny pinching at the expense of future development. They don't

75


put the dollar in where they should. Their salaries are increased at the expense of community. (Male, 60 - 69)

The proposed plan to pipe sewerage from Te Anau and spray it on fields next to the airport at Manapouri: the fact that it has gone as far as gaining consent from Environment Southland is astonishing. The pipeline is going to run along a huge fault line. If there is an earthquake all the sewerage will flow across SH1 and will pollute the Waiau River between Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri. The scheme seems to be driven by one or two people at the top of the SDC. We are also being forced to put in a septic tank worth $9000 while all this is going on and there is a risk of blow back of this stuff, which is 9 km away. The Council need to read the following websites and educate themselves www.sludgefacts.org www.seweragesludgeactionnetwork.com. The Netherlands and Canada have banned spraying sewerage onto land because it is so destructive. (Male, 18 - 29)

The rates are too high; they put them up every year higher than the rate of inflation. It's like helping themselves to people’s money. (Male, 60 - 69)

The rubbish should be burnt. Common sense has gone out the window. The Council needs to get more practical, and if it were their own money they wouldn't do what they are doing, they would be wiser with their spending like not spending 7 million on an airport where there are no planes. This has increased our rates. (Female, 70 years plus)

The staff have been good that have been on my property and the Community Board members are supportive. (Male, 30 - 39)

They need to be more transparent with their decision-making on larger issues such as the proposed sewerage scheme at the Te Anau airport. Be more open with the public and let them have more decision making as we are ratepayers. Don't be secret squirrels. (Male, 40 - 49)

They put emphasis on where it shouldn't be, for example, they should encourage things on the mainstream income earner for the income of the province. (Male, 60 - 69)

Too much money spent on Council trips overseas. Some roads need to be sealed that are still gravel. (Female, 50 - 59)

Unhappy about 80 km signs put in front of our house in the middle of Te Anau. (Male, 60 - 69)

Use email, internet and advertise online services availability to keep ratepayer costs down. (Female, 40 - 49)

We need an all-year-round proper indoor swimming pool run by the Council. (Female, 30 - 39)

We pay rates but do not receive any wheelie bin collection service, but it is provided to the people in Athol. (Male, 30 - 39)

When Environment Southland visit us on the farm I think the one on one personal contact with us is really valuable. It would be good if the Council could take the same interest. (Male, 40 - 49)

When they have public meetings, the locals should be notified. (Male, 70 years plus)

When we bought our section 10 years ago, it was a Nga Tahu section from the Waitangi Treaty settlement. We were told we had to connect to the sewerage system and that we would need to connect to the water treatment system in future too, but we wouldn't have to pay for that because other developers in the area would shoulder a great portion the financial responsibility. Instead, us tax and rate payers are being looked to, to cover the cost. (Female, 50 - 59)

76


Whoever is spraying the roadsides is not doing it correctly. (Male, 50 - 59)

12.2 Stewart Island/ Rakiura

Change of staff in the Council every now and again might help. (Male, 40 - 49)

Concerned at the ever increasing draft plans, by-laws etc. shifting on to local Government what should be National Government responsibility. (Female, 70 years plus)

Council should stay ahead of the Maori contingency. (Male, 50 - 59)

I think that maintaining the 'people first' motto is probably why they have such a cohesive team and why people are mainly satisfied with them. (Female, 60 - 69)

It is important that the visitor levy needs to get to Stewart Island. It needs to get directed to island amenities as desired by the islanders as opposed to the desires of the Council. (Female, 60 - 69)

Paying too much for our power and should be offered other options such as water generation, I am surprised this was not a question asked in the survey as it is a hot topic on Stewart Island. (Male, 30 - 39)

We still pay to have a water supply connection on Stewart Island - but why do we need to pay for it when we're not getting it? (Female, 18 - 29)

12.3 Waiau/ Aparima

A green waste/recycling bin would be beneficial. (Female, 60 - 69)

A little too much emphasis on primary industries and not enough on biodiversity protection. (Female, 30 - 39)

Closer interactions by the Council with small towns in Southland. (Female, 70 years plus)

Compliance costs are too great. Rules can be broader than they were intended to be originally. (Male, 50 - 59)

Compliments to the organisation, I am very satisfied with them. (Male, 40 - 49)

Consultation regarding rate increases, huge jumps in rates. (Male, 60 - 69)

Council breaches the Freedom Camping Act, where large areas that could be used aren't allowed to be used and are pushed into paid grounds that are not as good. I will be following this up and reinvestigate the by-law relating to self-contained motorhomes and campervans in regard to the Act. (Male, 60 - 69)

77


Council cleared some trees in Nightcaps that were privately owned not Council owned. Overall, Council does good job. (Male, 30 - 39)

Difficult to get into Statistics New Zealand for the demographics within Riverton, for younger and older people. (Female, 70 years plus)

Everything is very satisfactory. (Female, 70 years plus)

For the job they do, they do a damn good job. (Male, 50 - 59)

Found a dog on my rural property, rang the Council to ask to identify who the owner was through microchip process, they said this not possible had to take the dog to the pound. The pound man checked and said he couldn't find the microchip, this was not correct, he identified it as my neighbours workers' dog only 1 hour later - not impressed, this was revenue gathering. (Male, 50 - 59)

Good to have more children focused activities e.g. dance groups, ice-skating, more for the younger 5 - 12 year olds. (Female, 18 - 29)

Happy with what the Council does. (Male, 30 - 39)

Have a concern with the management of road edges and the over use of herbicide. There is a lack of utilisation of plants along the roadside especially those that enhance biodiversity. (Male, 50 - 59)

Have been dissatisfied with the land surrounding the Nightcaps sewage pond scheme, but I am aware they are trying to rectify the situation now. (Female, 50 - 59)

Hold the rates; they are very expensive for a little wee town like Tuatapere. (Male, 70 years plus)

I feel that some Councillors are disjointed from what people need rurally. (Male, 30 - 39)

I would like the see more time and effort going into water quality in the region. (Male, 40 - 49)

I would like them to continue supporting rural swimming pools. (Male, 30 - 39)

I'm concerned about local bodies amalgamating to save costs - we will lose local representatives. Cut the pay to the Councillors if you want to increase the numbers, I prefer a successful person who doesn't need the pay to represent me. (Male, 70 years plus)

It is good to have the opportunity to take part and give feedback on this survey to the services. (Female, 30 - 39)

Lower the rates. (Female, 70 years plus)

Lower the rates. Considering we don't have footpaths and are paying for things we don't use. There should be a user-pays system. (Female, 50 - 59)

Lucky to have the services we have given the small size of the town. (Male, 70 years plus)

Pretty happy with everything apart from the gravel roads. (Male, 30 - 39)

Pretty satisfied. (Male, 70 years plus)

Quite good. (Male, 60 - 69)

78


Rates are far too high - we were promised that they would go down years ago. (Female, 70 years plus)

Rates are over the top, way too expensive. (Male, 40 - 49)

Rates are way too high. (Female, 50 - 59)

Reduce the rates. (Male, 70 years plus)

Roading needs cats eyes and white lines, these are useful at night. (Female, 50 - 59)

Sewerage in Manapouri is waste of time. (Male, 50 - 59)

Some local Councillors need to act more professionally. (Male, 60 - 69)

Staff training of the systems: we are trying to get economic activity going in the region with too much bureaucracy with the Resource Management Act. The only reason we need a resource consent is because the shed is going to be 13 metres and it's too high, but if it was to be 12 metres we would not require a consent? Council has too many restrictions, which prevents us from going ahead with growing our economy in the region. (Male, 18 - 29)

The Council do their job very well I have no complaints. Would like a shuttle bus, which runs services into town on a monthly basis. Tuatapere used to have a service like this but it was stopped due to a lack of interest. (Female, 40 - 49)

The liquor licencing cost is getting too much for sport clubs even though a lot of people aren't drinking as much nowadays. It needs to be relooked at because it there is not the same demand for it as there was in the past. (Male, 70 years plus)

The rates are too high for a small village. (Female, 50 - 59)

The rates are too high for the services, the locality and the conditions of the roads. Whoever is in charge of dog control division should review their staff's public relations - it's not good. (Male, 70 years plus)

They have a large area to cover and they run a good ship, but the rates are fairly high. (Male, 70 years plus)

They misuse resources by in particular using Council supplied cars instead of carpooling, but misuse of resources in general. (Female, 60 - 69)

They need to keep things simple for everyday people to take a interest. (Male, 30 - 39)

Two-monthly regular mail drop from local Community Board in black and white print at minimum cost rather than a glossy, more expensive newsletter like 'First Edition'. (Female, 60 - 69)

We have a landfill on our farm, as it isn't always convenient to drive to the refuse station. To be more environmentally friendly it would be helpful if it could be regularly collected through the Council. (Female, 40 - 49)

We should be using the sea a lot more rather than bike tracks and walks. Very little areas on seashore where people can fish off jetties etc, we need a safe boat harbour. There is a need to mix it up a bit rather than focus just on bike tracks. Council is overdoing to the bike track, it is more than the local community can support. It will put a strain on the services like fire brigades and ambulance services. This is something the local community cannot afford. The only people that

79


really benefit are the landowners who can set up B&B businesses on the track, which then become tax dodges. (Male, 40 - 49)

When I had a problem, the Council service was outstanding. (Male, 50 - 59)

12.4 Waihopai/ Toetoes

A lot of responsibilities could be given over to private enterprise. I'd like to see all four Councils in Southland amalgamated we are over governed. My rates are too high considering I'm living on a gravel road and we have to supply our own water and dispose of our own sewerage. (Male, 50 - 59)

All Council staff are endeavouring to do the job as best they can. (Male, 70 years plus)

At busy times, e.g. dog registration and rates due date then it would be good to have extension of hours open on the last day. (Female, 40 - 49)

Concerned about the roading and funding. (Male, 40 - 49)

Fixing the roads. (Female, 70 years plus)

Gravel roads need to be repaired and maintained. (Male, 30 - 39)

Have been trying to get a local stake rink up and running. (Female, 30 - 39)

I am reasonably happy with SDC; they do the best they can without it costing the residents too much. (Male, 40 - 49)

I am very unhappy with post subdivision regulations, as people are not following it and it is not being followed up, even though I have had to jump through hoops to meet it. (Female, 40 - 49)

I feel I have made all my comments really clear. (Female, 70 years plus)

I hope the rates don't increase as we pay a lot already. (Female, 40 - 49)

I sometimes feel that everything is about gathering revenue - the forms we have to fill out are so complicated we need a degree to do so. Building consents are so complicated feel you have to jump through hoops. By choice now, I would buy an existing property as opposed to new building or renovating, it's too hard. (Female, 40 - 49)

I think the Council are doing a very good job in all areas. (Female, 70 years plus)

I want to see unity within the Council. Don't over focus on one particular thing and provide more balance. (Female, 70 years plus)

I would like to see tourists having to sit some sort of licence to be able to drive on our roads, or at least read the road code. There are too many New Zealanders getting killed due to tourists. Would like to see the Otara Road to Curio Bay Road and the Slop Point Road sealed for safety as people ride their bikes up the corrugated windy steep hill, which means the cyclist often wind up all over the road to avoid the corrugation areas of these roads. (Female, 50 - 59)

I'd like the footpaths to be fixed as soon as possible because we have to walk onto the road. There are no footpaths on the west side of Radan Street at all. There is a lot of walkways through there, but have to walk on the road and the grass is unlevel. (Female, 50 - 59)

80


If they could do something about the dog law that would be great and to let everyone know. I want there to be a limitation on the number of dogs on a property, to two dogs per property or a maximum of 5, as there is a lot of disturbance in regards to my neighbours with 10 dogs; it has been a ongoing issue which I need resolved. (Male, 30 - 39)

In relation to freedom camping, what would be good is to have plenty of suitable sites with toilet facilities. (Male, 40 - 49)

It is every citizen’s right and duty to be active in wanting to know what the Council does. (Male, 70 years plus)

It would be good to hear more about the Council activities. I feel they are doing a good job. (Female, 40 - 49)

It's great that people can pay rates at library. (Female, 40 - 49)

Level of customer service in my one experience with them was appalling and they need training or a review of performance. (Female, 40 - 49)

Lower our rates, as we don't have access to the facilities urban communities have. (Female, 30 - 39)

Lower rates. (Female, 40 - 49)

My biggest issue is the road I live on. It is a gravel road and is used by trucks etc and has huge potholes in it making it unsafe. (Female, 18 - 29)

Need to keep people informed by getting out into the community more. More Council involvement and meeting people. (Male, 40 - 49)

Roads are in very bad repair. (Female, 50 - 59)

Sometimes our Council gets carried away, a perfect example was with the Agricultural Research Centre in Dunedin. All the councils expressed concern about job loss rather than productivity. It was a management review not a governance review. Trying to get management to change their mind was a waste of time, which should have been spent at governance level after they knew what management's proposal was. It would be nice if I could think that what they're doing is beneficial to everybody and not just for a few individual's positions and self-importance. Another example is the Te Anau sewerage scheme: I haven't heard any real reason why Te Anau's sewerage needs to be pumped to Manapouri, near an airport where it can attract birds etc. Behind Te Anau is a Government reserve covered in bracken where effluent could be disposed of and could maybe even be beneficial in terms of fertility of the land. I have heard no discussion about it except their stance on it, in this case the District Council didn't do a good enough job. In regards to the road access proposal from the West Coast District Council from Westland through Milford Sound down to Te Anau, I thought it was a great idea and expected the Council to look into it, but it was all stalling tactics about not wanting to cost their ratepayers too much. At that stage, it was a proposed idea and they shouldn't have even been thinking about the road cost yet. They didn't ask the public and didn't weigh up economic advantages with the increase in rates. One strong advocate (Council member) for stopping the road was talking about the tunnel through Milford Sound as a good thing, but looked at the proposed West Coast to Southland road as 'destroying nature'. When I asked what he would have said 100 years ago when the tunnel was proposed and if he would have seen that as destroying nature, he had no answer. (Male, 70 years plus)

Support the new Hollyford Road to open up to Coast roads in Te Anau. (Male, 60 - 69)

81


The Anzac Monument needs to be spruced up with a coat of paint and we appreciate what Council does and the info we get as locals. (Female, 70 years plus)

The building inspectors are great to deal with. (Male, 40 - 49)

The ditch in front of my house gets very dirty; people throw their rubbish into it and it gets a big build-up of rubbish and the Council are very slack at coming and cleaning it. This needs to be done at least once or twice a year. (Female, 30 - 39)

The dogs is a problem as they do wander in this district and a few people have had concerns over this issue. (Male, 60 - 69)

The Edendale town hall doesn't meet earthquake requirements and all building planning activity is at a standstill. There is always a roadblock; it is like hitting a brick wall. The Council won't spend money because people won't use it but they won't use it unless it is improved. (Male, 50 - 59)

We are happy with the services they provide. (Male, 40 - 49)

When they used the worm farm down here it worked well and may be a good solution for Te Anau so that they don't affect the airport, we are such a wide area that no one knows what issues affect another area. They shouldn't wait until gorse and broom is three feet high before spraying it and don't appear to know that convolvulus is a weed; the problem is quite bad. They should notify householders when they are spraying and what they are using this could go in the First Edition. Ridiculous to pipe sewerage from Te Anau to Manapouri. (Female, 60 - 69)

With a change in all the cow farming, there are lots of people who are involved but not compensated (not talking about financial compensation). Things are being pushed through because there is so much money involved. People in smaller areas are being forced into poorer qualities of life because these decisions are driven by money. These decisions are not good for ordinary residents who are affected by the changes. (Male, 50 - 59)

Would like a park or reserve and public toilets. (Female, 30 - 39)

12.5 Winton/ Wallacetown

As far as paying accounts each quarter, I would have at least 11 separate rates notices. To pay them online it would be beneficial to have the account as one lump sum. At present, there are 15 different accounts for which I need to pay. This takes too much time. They want the individual rates notice number with the lump sum to be paid. (Male, 70 years plus)

Be more honest and tell us things more in advance. Listen to gut feelings. (Female, 30 - 39)

Control rates. (Male, 60 - 69)

Decisions are made but not heard enough about. The community are not very informed about things happening in the community. (Female, 70 years plus)

Don't put the rates up because you've fixed the footpaths. (Female, 70 years plus)

Hope red tape is lesser for those opening activities and sporting events that generate public interest. Often the red tape stops enjoyable and fun events for the public, these need factual advice and assistance from the Council to help get them going- not hinder them. (Male, 30 - 39)

82


I don't feel as ratepayers we should be paying for halls in two different districts (Centre Bush and Otapiri) that are condemned and unusable. (Male, 30 - 39)

I feel strongly about the condition of grass in front of the headstones having sunk and now could cause people to fall and get hurt at the East Winton Cemetery. Outside my house in Winton, there are several holes on sidewalk beside the road; people could trip onto the road. (Female, 60 - 69)

I had an issue with drainage about 3 years ago and I went into the Council offices about putting waste water down my open drainage ditch from Winton, which I wasn't keen on because my land is real flat. What we suggested did happen but I did do some work for myself on it first before we went to see them and I didn't get any forthcoming from the Southland District Council on the drainage proposal. I had to go and see a person on the local Community Board and he agreed with me. It should never have come to the point where I had to go elsewhere to put my case forward. It was just plain common sense, you can't always put your case forward to people who have made up their minds another way. Also some of the land that's going into dairy is a little suspect and it could be harmful to the land itself. (Male, 70 years plus)

I have built two houses in Winton and both times, I have had huge issues with drainage. I feel that the Council doesn't have awareness of all the drains in Winton. (Female, 60 - 69)

I live in Winton and it is very well maintained. (Male, 40 - 49)

I pay a lot of rates and I don't get water sewerage, rubbish or footpaths whereas people in town pay a lot less rates than me and they get the advantages. I don't feel this is fair. (Female, 30 - 39)

I think the refuse station is too expensive. As we are rural and don't have the wheelie bin service like the urban areas do, I think it should be cheaper for small amounts of household rubbish. (Female, 30 - 39)

I think we have a really good rural fire force. (Female, 50 - 59)

I would like to have a dog park in Winton. (Female, 40 - 49)

I would like to see the road I live on, bypassed by trucks. We get used as a link point and the trucks are making our road very unsafe causing potholes. (Male, 30 - 39)

I'd like to know how to submit ideas -suggestions to the Council people. (Male, 30 - 39)

If Council has control, Winton needs better cell phone reception. (Female, 18 - 29)

In regard to the Meridian grants at Mossburn, there should be more information about the result of those and who the committees are that accept those grants, because it's hard to find out who gets what exactly. (Male, 60 - 69)

In Te Anau, the rates are very high in relation to the value of the property and the services we get. (Male, 40 - 49)

"In this survey, I would have liked to comment on weed and pest control-needs a new section. The Council need to be controlling ragwar and other weed pests, for example if it is not policed on some properties it spreads to others who have been controlling it. There is no section in this survey about dairying and effluent. (Female, 30 - 39)"

Is the inspector that is taking care of the job tick the job as complete or does it need to be a different inspector? (Female, 50 - 59)

It will be interesting how the legal highs issue will be handled. (Female, 40 - 49)

83


It's a very hard job for them and you can't please everyone. They try their best and that's all you can ask for. I'm quite happy. Winton is a nice area and clean and tidy. (Female, 50 - 59)

Just stress again; the central gardens in Winton really worry me for the safety of people, plants are too high and you cannot see when driving. (Female, 40 - 49)

Keep the roads well maintained and fix the uneven footpaths. (Female, 18 - 29)

Libraries are now noisy rather than quiet places like they used to be. They are now noisy from children who come in, but also from the library staff. They are no longer quiet areas. (Male, 60 - 69)

Local Council member needs competition and is apathetic as a result. (Male, 60 - 69)

More road maintenance would be fantastic and regular mows of the roadside would be good. (Female, 30 - 39)

Need to do a new survey on the priorities on what the rate payers want their rate money spent on in SDC. (Female, 18 - 29)

Not sure, what's happening with the sewerage treatment plant in Winton. It seems to have come to a hiatus, are they upgrading or what? (Male, 60 - 69)

Overall, I am very satisfied. (Male, 70 years plus)

Recently the Council has put a bike track around Winton a part of which runs directly behind my house. They sprayed for weeks and it affected my garden. I received a small notification as did everyone else in Winton, but I feel that myself and the other houses that were affected should have had a more informative letter. (Female, 40 - 49)

Recycling area open longer hours, particularly mornings. (Female, 60 - 69)

Refuse sites should be free and not have to pay, this would encourage people not to litter and leave their rubbish in the streets. I believe all new homes should be built so they can collect their own water, use their own water, as we need to put higher value on our water. (Female, 30 - 39)

Regarding unsealed roads, more consultation with adjacent property owners may lead to answers that could result in safer use of the roads for all sizes of vehicles. (Male, 60 - 69)

Regarding waterways, we have a creek running through the corner of our property and within the last 5 years it's become full of sludge and weeds, and has gotten much deeper it's getting polluted. (Male, 70 years plus)

Relocatable homes have no quality and are not finished off and the Council's rules about tidy presentable homes are being broken and this is bringing the town down. The undesirable homes are eyesore, we and the Council should have more control over the quality of the homes. Local building inspector is as good as the man that is in control of lawn mowing in our town. There are a lot of people in town that agree with me on these issues about these two men. The Council would be a lot better without them as they are just a huge waste of time and money. (Male, 30 - 39)

Te Anau Basin aesthetic values are being invaded by local Council, this should not be happening. (Male, 50 - 59)

The Council not checking with the community and farmers about the new cycle tracks and also using farmers land without asking has made them very upset. (Female, 30 - 39)

84


The Council should stick to the core of their business and forget about organising and being involved with things in relation to social welfare. (Male, 60 - 69)

The Council's core purpose is to look after road, rubbish and in rural areas: sewerage. They should not be involved in anything else as they are inefficient in all other areas. The Council are charging far too much with permits, roads and toilets. We have gone backwards with this Council. The Government should be helping by showing some leadership to the Council. Again, the silly rules and policies are costing a fortune e.g. having safety glass in bathroom. (Male, 30 - 39)

The rates are too dear. (Female, 70 years plus)

There is too much stuff going to land fill currently. We should pay by the amount of rubbish we put in the rubbish bins. (Male, 70 years plus)

They need a new grader driver. They need to fill the holes before they put a grader over it, and he needs to respect peoples' driveways rather than digging big lips out of them. (Female, 30 - 39)

Trend to moving away from number 8 wire to number 2 wire electric fences on road boundary fences: they are easy for young stock to get under causing cattle problems and a nuisance to other people trying to move stock on the road, we think it is a breach of the Fencing Act 1978. (Female, 50 - 59)

Unhappy with quality of roads. (Male, 50 - 59)

Vehicles parking on the footpath has been ignored. It makes it difficult for women with prams, people in wheel chairs and mobility scooters. Streets are wide enough for people to park on the roads. (Male, 60 - 69)

We don't want the Thrills and Pills shop in Winton. (Female, 50 - 59)

When the rates are sent out should be in a prepaid envelope, people do not keep stamps at home anymore. (Male, 40 - 49)

When we have approached the Council with a problem, we would like them to follow up and some feedback would be great. (Female, 50 - 59)

With all the earthquake repairs being brought in, there are parts of small towns that are going to be closed down because there is no money, although the buildings that have fallen down were not the old ones, but rather the modern buildings. (Male, 70 years plus)

southland district council

Documents