Two-thirds (67%) of residents said they are satisfied with Council’s performance in this year’s resident satisfaction survey, an outcome similar to the 68% recorded in 2024 and 66% in 2023.

Thirty-seven out of 49 services (76%) rated by residents achieved satisfaction of 60% or above, with 10 services achieving 80% satisfaction or higher, consolidating the generally positive sentiment across most service areas seen in recent years.

Chief Executive John Boswell said overall satisfaction was similar to 2024 with a near-even mix of increases and decreases.

“The top five performing services were consistent with previous years: library services (90% satisfaction), cemeteries (89%), parks and reserves (87%), sports grounds (87%), and swimming pools (86%).”

“The greatest increases were for kerbside rubbish and recycling collection (84%, up from 65% in 2024); freshwater, coastal and land environments and information available (64%, up from 48%); managing emerging threats (66%, up from 52%); Council communications (80%, up from 68%), and unsealed roads (52% in 2025, up from 43%).

“In contrast, the declines were recorded for drinking water supply (67%, down from 81% in 2024); tourism (63%, down from 74%); car parking (55%, down from 66%) and dog control (68%, down from 76%).”

He said Council’s overall rating of 67% is again ahead of the national New Zealand council benchmark of 50% satisfaction.

“Despite household cost pressures, the impact of extreme weather events and Government policy shifts such as in water supply, satisfaction with many Council services has been maintained at similar levels to 2024 and 2023.”

“The survey gives suggestions for the new Council on where they may wish to prioritise their effort after the elections.”

The survey is carried out independently by SIL Research each year with 600 residents randomly selected via either telephone, a postal mailout or through social media. Data is weighted to reflect location, gender and age group proportions, as per the Census. The sample size allows a 95% confidence level, +/- 3-4% when the results are reported as totals. The first survey was produced in 2008.

Residents are encouraged to participate as the survey provides a scientifically robust report on how Marlburians perceive their Council. Further information on the survey methodology can be found at the front of the survey report.

Go to: https://links.marlborough.govt.nz/residentsatisfaction

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