Survey finds support for Queenstown Lakes mayor, councillors drops to 17%
Support for the Queenstown Lakes mayor and councillors dropped to just 17 percent, down from 44 percent a year ago, according to a survey commissioned by the council.
The district council's community insights survey results released on Wednesday revealed growing frustration among residents about traffic congestion, increasing tourism and infrastructure pressure.
Key Research surveyed 405 people in February and March about the council's leadership, core services and communication.
The lowest scoring question in the survey saw just 16 percent of respondents agree the council created long-term solutions and improvements that worked well for them.
Just 17 percent of respondents felt the council made decisions in the district's best interest and just 23 percent were satisfied with core services like roading, water and waste.
In a statement, the council's acting chief executive Dave Wallace said the feedback reinforced their understanding of community frustration.
He said the council was trying to manage unprecedented growth.
"QLDC does not hold all the levers, but we must influence and continue to plan for change. How we move forward will be key to a sustainable future," he said.
Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The survey was carried out after the overturning of freedom camping restrictions and around a controversial decision to discharge treated wastewater into the Shotover River.
In February councillors were warned that increasing tourist pressures could trigger protests and local hostility if there was not urgent intervention and investment.
Residents also expressed dissatisfaction with the council's environmental efforts, with only 29 percent satisfied with efforts to reduce waste to landfill and 19 percent with preparations for climate change.
Wallace said the council was trying to understand how to rebuild trust and engagement.
"We have been working hard to build on these perceptions and have built our engagement through multiple forums, district-wide, including moving our workshops into the public domain," he said.
The council scored well on community facilities, with 79 percent of respondents satisfied with local parks, reserves and gardens, and 85 percent happy with trails, walkways and cycleways.
