Council wants to know how well it is doing

As part of its on-going commitment to actively seek public opinion and involvement, the Gisborne District Council is to conduct a survey of its residents.

“We have a responsibility to track how well our efforts are carrying through to our residents. The best way to do this is to interview a representative cross-section of people, and to have this done by an independent group to ensure impartiality,” said Council’s Community Planning and Development Manager Nedine Thatcher-Swann.

People living in all seven wards of the district will be telephoned, using a randomised selection method. They will be asked their opinions on a wide ranging list about the Council, and the services it delivers to the residents of the district. “People are busy but Council really appreciates those that take the time to complete the survey. Without their responses we would not be able to track what services residents are happy with or where we need to focus on improvements. This initiative is in the spirit of changes in local government, whereby Councils are urged to take a proactive stance in understanding and meeting residents’ wishes.”
Interviewing for the survey commences on Friday, 28th May, and is expected to be completed on Wednesday 9th June.

National Research Bureau, an independent market research company offering specialised services to Local Authorities throughout New Zealand, has been commissioned to undertake the survey and report to the Council.