The performance of the Waitaki District Council is being gauged in a phone survey which started a week ago.
Some residents are receiving phone calls from the National Research Bureau (NRB) asking for their opinion of the council for the annual residents' survey.
The survey of 400 people in the district is designed to give the council more information on the opinions of people on its performance.
Communications officer Scott Ridley said the council had both an obligation and a desire to gauge community opinion, involve people in its decision-making and seek feedback.
"One of the best ways to do this is to interview a representative cross-section of people and to have this done by an independent group to ensure impartiality," he said.
The council commissioned NRB, an independent market research company, to conduct the survey and prepare a report.
The company will phone randomly selected residents from all four district wards - Oamaru, Waihemo, Corriedale and Ahuriri.
They will be asked for their opinions on a wide-ranging list of council services and issues.
"This initiative is part of the council's ongoing programme to actively seek public opinion and involvement," Mr Ridley said.
Interviews started last Friday and are expected to be completed tomorrow.
Results will be available to the public in the district council's 2009-10 annual report.
