Boost in residents' perceptions of Dunedin

Dunedin (Wednesday, 12 October 2016) – Dunedin residents have increasingly positive perceptions of their city, according to the results of the 2016 Residents' Opinion Survey released today.

Results of the survey show a big boost (up 20 points to 48%) in the number of residents who perceive Dunedin as a thriving city.

There were also big jumps in the number of residents who perceive Dunedin as a fun city (up 17 points to 66%); a sustainable city (up 15 to 52%); and those who thought there was a sense of community within their local neighbourhood (up 11 to 64%).

Residents continue to highly rate the way Dunedin maintains and preserves its architectural heritage (up 6 to 87%); recognises and supports cultural diversity (up 9 to 76%); and as a creative city (up 7 to 76%).

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says these results reinforce the findings of the recent national Quality of Life Survey which showed that Dunedin residents rate their overall quality of life higher than those in six other New Zealand cities.

"It is particularly pleasing to again see perceptions improving in areas which have been a focus for the Council. For example, the rejuvenation of the warehouse precinct, celebrating, promoting and capitalising on our wonderful arts and culture scene, and promoting Dunedin as a great place to live, work, study and do business."

Mr Cull says he is also pleased with the continued strong performance of Dunedin’s cultural and recreational facilities. Dunedin Botanic Garden, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, Regent Theatre, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Dunedin Public Libraries and Olveston all achieved satisfaction scores of more than 90%.

There was continued improvement in satisfaction with the Chinese Garden (up 12 points to 85% and from just 55% in 2012) and the Forsyth Barr Stadium (up 5 points to 88% and from just 69% in 2012).

Results of the survey also show almost half (48%) of residents are now satisfied or very satisfied that the DCC delivers overall value for money, up 13 points on last year.

Satisfaction with the overall performance of the DCC is also up slightly to 52% reaching its third highest level since 2003.

DCC Chief Executive Sue Bidrose says, "The overall results and trends are positive, however there are always areas where we can lift our game even further. We use feedback from the survey to look at areas where we can continue to improve."

Satisfaction with the city’s stormwater system was one area which recorded a notable decrease in satisfaction, down 13 points to 68%.

“Given the flooding event of June last year, this result is not a surprise and it has become quite a focus for us," says Dr Bidrose.

Of the 5,400 residents randomly selected from the electoral roll and invited to complete the survey, 1,577 did so – a response rate of 29%, with nine out of 10 responses made online – a new record. A further 133 residents independently chose to complete the survey online. The results of the ‘opt-in’ sample are analysed separately but still provide the DCC with valuable feedback about how it can improve its services.

The survey was carried out in May and June 2016 by independent research company Key Research, of Tauranga, and has a margin of error of +/- 2.5%. A report with the full results and detailed information on how the survey was conducted is available at www.dunedin.govt.nz/ros.

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