Councillor2010 Survey

Quick Survey Fact:

In response to the question "Please rate the performance of the local authority you are an elected member of", the majority of respondents gave their Council a 'B'  (Performed well, above expectations).

Introduction

This is a research project that aimed to gain an understanding of the local government sector from the perspective of elected officials - Mayors and Councillors.  There is nothing controversial about this research, in fact it is based upon a project undertaken throughout England and Wales last year by reputable polling firm ComRes.  Their research took an in-depth look at the sector and uncovered hitherto unknown facts about Councils and Councillors, and the environment in which they exist.

The Council Watch survey was not as long nor as in-depth as that undertaken by ComRes, but focused on elected members themselves: their work habits, opinions and networks.  As this is an election year it was the perfect opportunity to cast light on this hard working but oft-overlooked group of individuals, and hopefully generate some media interest that in turn will compel people to vote.

Methodology

This was an anonymous survey undertaken online through a company called Survey Monkey.  There are four parts to the survey: Organisational Performance, Local Government Environment, Future of Local Government, Councillors, and Community Governance.

An invitation to participate in the survey was sent to 733 elected Council members across the country via email.  All those who participated will receive an analysis of the results.  A summary of results will be also be published online and distributed through the news media.

Further Information on this Project

The research project is being managed by Jarrod Coburn, Research Assistant for Council Watch.  Jarrod is a former regional administrator for the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute and an international speaker on the subject of community resilience.  He's currently completing his Masters of Management Studies research degree.

Jarrod can be contacted via email here.

Purchasing the Survey

A complete analysis of this survey will be available for purchase in August.  It includes information drilled-down to the deepest level without compromising anonymity.  The data will be stratified to provide comparisons for North- and South Island local authorities, as well as Regional, City and District Councils.  This is an invaluable document that will provide considerable insight into the mindset of our local government leaders.

The charging schedule is below:

Local authority - $475.00

Central government agency - $580.00

All others - $1,500.00

Email here to order your copy.