The 2024 results of an independent survey on residents’ satisfaction of South Wairarapa District Council services show there is room for improvement with concerns such as perception of financial management, public engagement, safety and quality of roads and stormwater management.

The survey showed that 85% of people are satisfied with the quality of life in South Wairarapa and satisfaction with the council’s overall performance improved slightly this year, with 33% of respondents satisfied compared to the previous year’s 27%.

There were also slight improvements in the satisfaction of the image of the closest town 64%, although ratings were significantly lower for Featherston 29% than for Martinborough 80% or Greytown 87%.
“While we continue to see small improvements to public perception in some key areas, it is clear that we need to improve our connection and engagement with our community, ensuring our work is more visible and accessible for everyone,” says Deputy Mayor Melissa Sadler-Futter, committee chair speaking on behalf of the report.

Council facilities continue to showcase high satisfaction levels, with the Wairarapa Library Service 83%, playgrounds 81%, parks, reserves and open spaces 80%, sports fields 80%, swimming pools 75%, cemeteries 79% and public toilets 66%.

Results revealed

The following shows the satisfaction rating of council services:

Civil Defence satisfaction with council response 38% (up from 20% in 2023)
Urban roads satisfaction 34% (up from 28% in 2023)
Rural roads satisfaction 25% (up from 18% in 2023)
Footpaths satisfaction 35% (up from 31% in 2023)
Water connection satisfaction 72% (up from 68% in 2023)
Water quality satisfaction 62% (up from 53% in 2023)
Water overall satisfaction with water supply 57% (up from 51%)
Wastewater system reliability satisfaction 71% (up from 63% in 2023)
Wastewater system overall satisfaction 68% (up from 54% in 2023)
Stormwater system satisfaction 22% (up from 14% in 2023)
Stormwater system overall satisfaction 24% (up from 16% in 2023)
Waste management kerbside recycling satisfaction 72% (down from 73% in 2023)
Waste litter control satisfaction 58% (down from 61% in 2023)
Waste management cleanliness of streets satisfaction 67% (up from 66% in 2023)
Waste management refuse collection & disposal satisfaction 64% (up from 63% in 2023)
Community facilities & open spaces overall satisfaction 80% (the same as 80% in 2023)
Community facilities & open spaces users’ satisfaction 81% (down from 82% in 2023)
Library opening hours satisfaction 54% (down from 78% in 2023)
Libraries providing relevant & up to date books and services satisfaction 81% (up from 77% in 2023)
Swimming pool open hours satisfaction 72% (up from 66% in 2023)
Public toilets satisfaction 66% (up from 63% in 2023)

Note that since the survey took place the Council has decided to extend all libraries’ hours at all branches.

Thank you to all those that provided feedback to the survey.

The report is available to read here.