Most telling results from the survey:
Question 3: Events Centre contribution levels.
61.4 % of respondents were in favour of nothing, or a token gesture towards funding the Events Centre. Moving to the level of public satisfaction with councils’ process procedures (Stadium process satisfaction) the “not happy” and “very unhappy” combined response aggregates at 55%.
Question 5: Interactive democracy:
The topic of ‘Interactive Democracy’ is a recent catchphrase, but would seem to adequately sum up the basic principles involved in any form of duly elected government ie: the free flow of two directional information between constituents and the elected body. Ovewhelmingly, the Whangarei constituency is saying that councils disregard the public voice, with nearly two thirds, (65.3%) convinced that councils are deaf.
Question 6: Value for money - rates:
In respect of property rates in this question, 64.3% of all respondents indicated that they did not consider they received value for money by way of rates paid in the district.
Question 7: Debt level of WDC.
Nearly three quarters of respondents were disturbed by the level of debt.
In summary, this survey has touched a voter nerve on several points in relation to some of the topical issues.  At a democratic process level, where respondents have been shaken by seemingly indifferent council/s, it would appear the public sees an out of control situation developing in local governance by their elected representatives.
The full survey will be posted soon.