Annual Report 2010 - Christchurch City Council

Biannual survey
of residents
Your Council
Annual Report
Christchurch Otautahi
2010
p37.
Biannual survey of residents
The Biannual Survey of Residents evaluates the Council’s
performance for the financial year 2009/10. The latest
survey, carried out in March 2010, showed that 78 per cent
of residents are either satisfied or very satisfied with the
performance of the Council in delivering its services.
The Council began surveying residents annually in 1991 to gauge
customer satisfaction and residents’ perceptions of city issues. In
2007, the decision was made to switch to a biannual format so that
the Council could better track and respond to emerging issues in
the community.
Christchurch residents continue to rate highly the work done by
their Council.
The city has embraced the new wheelie bins service, with 95 per
cent of residents surveyed satisfied with the collection of recyclable
waste. Only three percent were dissatisfied. Ninety-two per cent
were happy with the collection of their red bin waste and 77 per
cent liked the collection of the organic waste.
Residents were also happy with Christchurch’s festivals and events
such as the Ellerslie International Flower Show, Classical Sparks
and the World Buskers Festival, with 92 per cent saying the Council
does a good job.
Waterways are an integral part of the city and overall 72 per cent
of respondents expressed high levels of satisfaction with the
condition of the water in our waterways and the appearance of the
river banks.
Water supply services, where taste, water pressure and presence
of sediment were considered, also drew a high level of satisfaction
from 92 per cent of residents.
Other areas where residents believe the Council is giving great
service are gardens and parks, library services, transport,
swimming pools and the Art Gallery. They also appreciate the way
the Council communicates with residents.
Areas where residents believe Council could improve are by
introducing bigger green rubbish bins, improving road and
footpath maintenance, and the need for more transparency and
democratic process. Cycling issues were also important.
While 63 per cent of residents were satisfied with the condition of
Christchurch roads, 22 per cent were dissatisfied. Comments from
residents pointed out potholes in roads and the amount of time
taken to repair and resurface some streets. Footpaths were also an
area some residents thought needed improvement, with 19 per cent
of residents dissatisfied with their maintenance and upkeep.
Some residents also commented on the need for more transparency
around Council decisions. While 47 per cent of those surveyed
were satisfied that the Council makes decisions which are in
the best interest of the city, 27 per cent were dissatisfied. In their
understanding of how Council makes decisions, 38 per cent of
people said they did not have a full understanding of this process.