Resident Satisfaction Survey

The Manawatū District Council wants to know what residents think of Council's performance.

To do this we commission a survey that measures resident satisfaction with Council's performance, services and facilities. The results of these surveys enable Council to assess the extent to which it has met its performance objectives and where additional work may be required.

The survey is carried out quarterly (September, December, March, June) by an independent research company - Key Research Ltd.

The survey then contributes to a yearly benchmarking report where Key Research compare our council to the 20 others that use their services across the country.

Resident Satisfaction Survey Report 2024-25

Overall, 69% of respondents were satisfied with Council performance in 2024-25. Council saw a 2% increase compare to the 2023-24 satisfaction rate, this was despite the overall average seeing a 3% decline across the 21 councils.

When looking at the benchmarking report our 2024-25 results compare favourably with the other Councils participating in the survey. Out of the 55 measures surveyed, MDC achieved the top score in eight measures, and significantly above the average in another 15 measures. MDC was  below the average in 11 measures.

In 2024-25, residents were most satisfied with:

• The reliability of the sewage system (94%)
• Kerbside rubbish collection (93%)
• The reliability of the water supply  (92%)

Residents were least satisfied with:

• Rates being fair and reasonable (40%)
• It is easy to access Council funding for my/our events (40%)
• It is easy to find out what Council funding is available (43%)

Largest increases in satisfaction in 2024-25 from 2023-24

• Overall satisfaction with The libraries (+14%)
• Overall satisfaction with Makino Pools (+7%)
• Overall satisfaction with Public toilets (+7%)

Largest decreases in satisfaction in 2024-25 from 2023-24

• I am satisfied with Community Funding and Development Services (-11%)
• Cemetery maintenance  (-9%)
• Managing liquor licensing (-9%)

Previous Reports