Resident Satisfaction Survey Reflects Positive Sentiment from Community

Each quarter, the Resident Satisfaction Survey is sent to a randomly chosen group of residents throughout the District. Conducted by a third-party surveyor on behalf of MDC, the survey asks residents to rate their satisfaction level on 74 questions, using a scale from 1-10. Annually, the survey results are then compared to approximately 21 other New Zealand councils, offering valuable insights.

Sent to 115 residents, the quarter/wave 2 results gathered a total of 45 responses. Surveyed from 3 November to 11 December 2025, the results have seen increased satisfaction rates compared to the previous quarter. Feilding’s satisfaction rate is sitting at 83%, closely followed by rural villages at 82%, a 16% increase from last quarter.

Demographic satisfaction rates have shown that the 50-64 year old age bracket is sitting at 83% satisfaction, closely followed by 65+ at 80% and 35-49 years old at 73%. The overall satisfaction rate is sitting at a new high for MDC at 77% an increase of 16% from wave 2 in 2024/25 and 22% compared to the 2024/25 council benchmark (55%).

Verbatim comments from respondents have shared positive sentiment in Council’s mahi, especially in infrastructure, community parks, reserves and playgrounds. Comments also highlighted the importance of reliable core services such as water and roading. MDC’s Data and Insights Analyst, Jeena Baines, says the results reflect key themes from the community and are something to be proud of. “The survey dictates Council’s actions now and into the future, and the positive sentiment from residents gives Council the confidence to keep doing what we’re doing, where else to focus, and continue to do it well”.

MDC appreciates the feedback from residents within our community. Outside of the survey, residents are encouraged to provide feedback to Council in person, through Antenno or the MDC website at: Contact Us | Manawatū District Council