Most Council services have targets for resident satisfaction in the Long Term Plan and reported in Council’s annual report.
This survey is carried out independently by SIL Research each year. Six hundred residents are randomly selected via telephone directories, a postal mailout and social media promotion. Data is weighted to reflect location, gender and age group proportions as per the Census. The sample size allows a 95% confidence level, +/- 4-5% when the results are reported as totals. The first survey was produced in 2008.
Residents are encouraged to participate because the survey provides a scientifically robust report on how Marlburians perceive their Council. Research is undertaken in accordance with the principles set out in the RANZ Code of Practice, based on the ESOMAR Code of Conduct for Market Research. Further information on the survey methodology can be found at the front of each survey report.
Resident Satisfaction Survey 2024
This year’s survey recorded an increase in satisfaction of 68%, up from 66% last year and 62% in 2022. Thirty-two out of 47 (70%) services rated by residents achieved satisfaction of 60% or above, with nine services achieving 80% satisfaction or higher, indicating generally positive sentiment across most areas.
The top five performing services remained consistent, with minor changes in rank compared to 2023: public sports grounds (90% satisfaction; 2nd in 2023), libraries (89%; 4th in 2023), swimming pools (89%; 7th in 2023), cemeteries (88%; 1st in 2023), and parks and reserves (86%; 6th in 2023).
The greatest increases in satisfaction were in housing for seniors (65% in 2024, up from 49% in 2023), stormwater drainage (70%, up from 56%), Building Act consent services (55%, up from 45%), community safety (76%, up from 66%), resource consent management (60%, up from 42%), and flood protection (65%, up from 57%). Satisfaction with roads also saw a notable increase to 58% compared to 40% last year.
Overall Marlborough - at 68% satisfaction - tracks well ahead of the national council benchmark of 54%.
View 2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey
2024 Marlborough District Council Annual Resident Satisfaction Survey (PDF, 1.5MB)
