Whakatāne District Council’s Annual Residents Survey has a new provider and a new approach to better reflect the modern environment.

New provider, SIL Research, uses a mixed-method approach with a combination of online/web-based, social media and postal surveys which are complimented with landline/mobile telephone surveys.

General Manager Strategy and Economic Development, Julie Gardyne, says the survey results, in combination with other internal and external information, allow the Council to assess the community’s views about the quality of its services and identify areas where improvement is needed.

"The survey also provides an opportunity to hear what the community thinks about specific Council projects and proposals," says Ms Gardyne. "Knowing people's views about a project helps us to determine a preferred approach before we seek formal community feedback through consultation processes such as our annual and long term plans."

The first survey of this kind is currently underway. Surveying will now be undertaken on a quarterly basis with a sample size of 100 respondents per quarter, whereas previously this was an annual survey of 300 respondents. The current initial survey has a larger sample size however, in order to gain an initial benchmark.

Sampling aims to reflect the demographic makeup of the Whakatāne District population, as well as ensuring insight from each of the District's four wards.