Public opinion key to improvements

Published: 15 August 2024

Half of the essential services provided by Napier City Council have improved according to the latest residents’ survey. Noise control, water services, communications and engagement showed significant increases in satisfaction.

The annual survey determines satisfaction levels and perceptions of Council’s services, communications, and management to identify opportunities for improvement.

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise says the results are heartening, with sixty one percent of respondents reporting satisfaction with Council’s overall performance, compared to the national benchmark of fifty four percent.

“It’s great that residents have seen an improvement in some key areas that are very important. These include our drinking water, which has shown consistent improvement over several years.”

Council providing opportunities for people to have their say improved by eight percent to fifty seven percent.

“Listening to our community’s needs and concerns is a key priority for us. Communication is a two-way process, and I was pleased to see the increase in satisfaction both with Council keeping people informed, and with opportunities for people to have their say,” says Mayor Wise.

“The survey results are a valuable tool to help us continually improve. There is never time to be complacent. Our teams will look closely at the results to determine how further improvements can be made across all areas of our services.”

Freedom camping had the largest decline in satisfaction (58% vs. 64% last year). However, a larger proportion of respondents commented they were not informed enough to provide a rating.

Despite notable improvements in 2024, Council’s core infrastructure, particularly roads, drinking water and stormwater, still need attention, with satisfaction for all three services below fifty percent.

The full results can be found here.

Key results from the survey

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