Residents tell South Wairarapa Council to 'do better'

South Wairarapa residents have told their council to "do better", draft results from the annual residents' report card on the South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC) show.

While some results were better than last year, especially in relation to recognition of Māori culture, many scores remained low, and a council spokesperson admitted there was work to do.

Overall, libraries, playgrounds and other public amenities scored well, but roading and stormwater satisfaction scores were notably down on previous years.

While the leadership and governance functions of SWDC scored better than last year, low scoring results showed residents thought there was room for improvement.

The report said although there had been a slight improvement in many scores relating to leadership and performance of the council this year, the overall trend was a decrease in positive ratings and an increase in negative ones.

"This suggests a growing dissatisfaction among the public with the council's performance in these areas," the report said.

Financial management was one of the worst areas of performance, with only 12 percent of respondents rating it as good or excellent, up from seven percent in 2022 but down from 28 percent in 2021.

Read more:

• Only 9 percent of South Wairarapa residents happy with council decisions and actions, a damning perception survey shows
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"A significant concern among respondents is the increase in rates, which they feel is not justified by the services they receive," the report said.

A combined total of 20 percent of respondents thought the council's reputation had improved, but 26 percent of respondents thought the council's reputation had got worse.

The survey was sent to 3000 residents, with about 600 responding, a 20 percent uptake. It was done in the last quarter of the 2023 financial year, between April and the end of June.

A report, including the draft results, was tabled at a SWDC council meeting on 2 August, and said data collected related to the 2022/23 financial year. The results therefore relate in the main to a period before this year's rate rise of almost 20 percent was voted on at the end of June.

Council governance, leadership and advocacy satisfaction rates were low, but not as low as in previous years.

Only 24 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed there were adequate opportunities to participate in decision-making, up from 17 percent in 2022, but down from 40 percent in 2021.

Similarly, 26 percent of respondents thought the mayor and councillors gave a fair hearing to resident's views, this was up from 2022 when the score was just 10 percent, but down on 2021 at 34 percent.

This year, those who thought Māori culture and te reo were appropriately recognised was up to 43 percent from 24 percent in 2022 and 35 percent in 2021.

Of those who responded, 27 percent were satisfied with the advocacy and leadership of the mayor and councillors, up on 13 percent in 2022, but down on 40 percent in 2021.

"[Many respondents] feel that their views are not taken into account and that the council does not always communicate or consult with them," the report said.

This year, 22 percent rated the council's leadership as good or excellent, up from 14 percent in 2022, but down from 37 percent in 2021.

SWDC Mayor Martin Connelly responded positively to the report but said challenges remained.

"The council is delighted to see the turnaround in public perception of its performance. In 2022 a council consisting of a new mayor and mostly new councillors came into office seeking to rebuild the community's trust and confidence in our council. This survey shows that we have made a good beginning," Connelly said.

"We know, however, that rebuilding trust takes time and we will be seeking continued improvement over the next two years. Your council will continue to listen closely to residents' concerns and to make themselves available to better understand.

"Clearly, we still have many challenges. We need to find ways to make the long-term funding of council services sustainable. And we still have work to do to improve our perception among the residents of Featherston. But I am optimistic that if we work with local communities in helping address those challenges that we will remain a wonderful district to live and work in. There are so many things to celebrate about the South Wairarapa".

Many residents unhappy with road conditions, flooding on roads and stormwater

Roading featured as a strong area of dissatisfaction, with only three percent of respondents very satisfied with rural roads and only 15 percent satisfied, a total of 18 percent, down from 26 percent in 2022 and 36 percent in 2021. Similarly, urban roads had a combined satisfaction rating of 28 percent, down from 38 percent in 2022 and 48 percent in 2021.

"The survey results indicate a significant shift in public sentiment regarding the condition and maintenance of both rural and urban roads from 2021 to 2023," the report said, describing the result as 'growing public discontent.'

Results from people connected to town water supply were overall positive; 68 percent indicated satisfaction with the service, up from 53 percent in 2022, and 59 percent in 2021.

Stormwater systems were another area of challenge for the council; only 14 percent of respondents said they were satisfied with the council's efforts to keep roads and pavements free from flooding in 2023. This was down from 19 percent in 2022, and 29 percent in 2021.

"Many respondents express frustration with the regular flooding that occurs in their towns, particularly in Featherston," the report said.

"They attribute this to poor stormwater management and inadequate maintenance of drains and culverts."

Libraries, sports grounds, pools and playgrounds win approval

The district's libraries received the highest satisfaction ratings, at 87 percent. Sports grounds had a 82 percent satisfaction rating, with playgrounds at 77 percent, and cemeteries and public swimming pools at 76 percent.

A council spokesperson said SWDC was pleased with improved perception in some areas, especially related to drinking water, and recognition and visibility of Māori culture and te reo in the district.

"It was also pleasing to see there has been a noticeable increase in the proportion of respondents who feel very self-reliant when it comes to emergency preparedness. There has been a continued decline in some other measures that we are keen to understand and respond to," they said.

Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air