A recent survey of Wellingtonians reveals a significant decline in residents’ pride in their city and trust in the city council. The Residents Monitoring Survey, conducted by the Wellington City Council, gathered responses from 1100 randomly selected individuals from their Capital Views panel.

Key Findings:

• Satisfaction with council decisions: Only 20% of residents expressed satisfaction with the council’s decision-making, while 50% were dissatisfied. Mayor Tory Whanau acknowledged the need for improvement but highlighted a slight increase from a historic low of 12% in 2022.
• Pride in the city: Pride in Wellington’s appearance has reached its lowest point in the past decade, with only 50% of residents expressing satisfaction. This decline is accompanied by growing concerns about safety in the central city.
• Safety concerns: The top concerns among residents are alcohol and drug problems, aggressive and threatening behavior, and aggressive begging. While crime reports in the city center have increased by 12% over the past three years, this figure is relatively low compared to other cities in New Zealand.
• Positive aspects: Residents reported increased satisfaction with council facilities and transportation, particularly with cycling and public transport options.

Council Response:

Mayor Whanau emphasized the council’s commitment to improving decision-making processes through initiatives like the Citizens’ Assembly. The council also aims to enhance safety in the city through programs such as the Pōneke Promise.

Councilors’ Reactions:

Councilor reactions to the survey were mixed. Some, like Iona Pannett, highlighted the need to address the root causes of safety concerns beyond just physical infrastructure. Others, like Ben McNulty, expressed disappointment and called for fundamental changes in the council’s approach to meet residents’ expectations.

Further Considerations:

The timing of the survey, shortly after the council finalized its long-term plan, raised concerns about the lack of consideration for residents’ feedback in the decision-making process.

Overall, the survey reveals a city grappling with significant challenges, including declining trust in the council and growing concerns about safety and the city’s overall well-being. Addressing these issues will require a collaborative effort between the council, residents, and stakeholders to rebuild trust and restore pride in Wellington.