Perceptions of Ashburton District as a great place to live are very positive, with a strong sense of community and trust in Council to do the right thing, according to the annual residents’ survey.

Survey results were presented to Councillors last week showing 92 per cent of the 847 people who took part in the survey thought the district was going in the right direction. That was up from 84 per cent in 2020.

Ninety-one per cent said they felt a sense of community and 83 per cent trusted Council to do the right thing, up from 80 per cent last year.

Perceptions of the performance of Mayor Neil Brown and the nine elected Councillors was also up, with nearly nine in every 10 residents (89 per cent) satisfied. Satisfaction with Council staff increased from 87 per cent a year ago to 92 per cent this year.

Residents’ satisfaction with Council’s overall performance improved to 74 per cent, compared to 69 in 2020.

Mayor Brown said the results were pleasing, including satisfaction levels around local infrastructure.

“There were also high levels of satisfaction in facilities like the EA Networks Centre, the Ashburton Domain, cemeteries and the public library.”

However, he said roading was a perennial chestnut and complaints about potholes and roads featured all year round, but Council was working with its maintenance contractor to address issues, especially after the May floods.

“Overall, it’s a great result and we have plenty to be proud about, especially given challenges of a pandemic that have impacted us all.”

The survey was conducted by Key Research, who used paper and online surveys to gather information at four points during the past year.

The full report is available on the Council's website (ashburtondc.govt.nz).