Otago Regional Council Launches $50,000 Survey to Gauge Public Priorities

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has initiated a $50,000 survey aimed at gathering insights from over 14,000 randomly selected ratepayers. This effort, as stated by ORC chairwoman Hilary Calvert, seeks to better understand public priorities amidst changing circumstances. The survey will begin arriving in mailboxes this week.

Calvert emphasized the importance of understanding residents’ views on the council’s performance. She remarked, “In these uncertain times, it is even more important to know as much as we can about what people in Otago feel about what the Otago Regional Council is doing well and what we can do better.” The council aims to utilize the feedback to enhance its services before the council’s term concludes.

Survey Format and Cost Efficiency

In a shift from previous methods, the ORC is replacing phone calls with a hard-copy mailout format, which officials hope will increase response rates. Alongside the physical surveys, the council will also provide a link via Facebook to access the survey online, offering a cost-effective option for participants.

Richard Saunders, the chief executive of ORC, noted that the new survey format will cost approximately $50,000, significantly lower than the nearly $75,000 estimated for the previously planned telephone and online survey. This change reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to prudently manage public funds while actively engaging with the community.

The ORC’s general manager of strategy and customer, Amanda Vercoe, highlighted the survey’s role in tracking community sentiment over time. She stated that the feedback will help identify areas where projects and programs are succeeding or need improvement. The deadline for responses is set for February 22, 2024.

Continued Commitment to Public Services

Vercoe further explained that while the central government is working on various reforms that could impact regional council governance, these changes will take considerable time to implement. “In the meantime, ORC still has a job to do on behalf of the public and environment with services to deliver,” she said. This includes essential functions such as monitoring water, air, and land quality, managing consent processes, and preparing for emergency situations related to flooding.

The ORC’s proactive approach through this survey aims not only to gather valuable public input but also to reinforce its commitment to effectively serve the Otago community. As the council navigates its responsibilities, understanding residents’ needs remains a top priority.