Dunedin city councillors yesterday noted the results of the 2022-23 residents’ opinion survey.
The survey gauged residents’ satisfaction and engagement with a wide range of council services and facilities, and the public’s perception of its performance.
The staff report accompanying the results noted "a significant decline" in respondents’ perception that "Dunedin is a safe city".
The number of those who felt the city was safe fell five percentage points to 62%, the lowest rating in six years.
Crs Kevin Gilbert and David Benson-Pope raised questions about the result, Cr Gilbert saying it "concerned" him.
The report stated overall satisfaction with the council had increased to 50% from 43%, and performance of the mayor and councillors rose to 34% from 26%.
Respondents’ perception that Dunedin recognised and supported cultural diversity had also increased five percentage points to 65%.
The survey covered the period from July 1 last year to June 30.
Recent council events, including two code of conduct complaints against Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich for comments he made after the censure of a community board chairman for a racial slur and the resulting resignation of former deputy mayor Sophie Barker fell outside the survey period.
tim.scott@odt.co.nz
PIJF cadet reporter
