Media Release
16 September 2013

Disappointing survey all the incentive ratepayers need

The marked drop in ratepayer satisfaction of Wellington City Council should be all the incentive people need to get out and vote in the local election, says Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce CEO Raewyn Bleakley.

“This result is disappointing, but it should also serve as a wake-up call.

“Councillors should be under no illusions as to how badly their performance is rated when just 31% of those who responded to the council survey say it was on top of things as a decision-making body.
“But it’s even worse when it’s compared with the 55% who thought this last year and the 61% in the last year of the previous council.

“The survey confirms what the Chamber has been saying this year. The debacle over the Basin Reserve flyover, when council couldn’t make up its mind, dilly-dallied around, and then spent more money on an unnecessary and expensive report, was clearly the last straw.

“We are now in election mode, and the Chamber has said it is not in the business of supporting any particular candidate or affiliation, but has been encouraging ratepayers to look extremely carefully at who they are going to vote for.

“People who really care about this fantastic city must get out and vote.”

Answers to questions the Chamber put to all candidates will help inform voters, and are available on the website.  Some candidates chose not to respond to the questionnaire which rate payers will need to consider carefully as well.

Raewyn Bleakley said she was pleased some real positives came out of the survey, with the vast majority being happy with the quality of playgrounds, recreation centres and public toilets, and agreeing that Wellington was a lively and attractive place to live, with a good variety of leisure activities, and that they were proud of the way the city looks and feels.

“When all is said and done, this is still a great city, despite the disappointment people have about what sometimes comes out of city hall.”

ENDS