Waikato Regional Community Outcomes Taking the Pulse of Our Communities Presentation to SPN, 11 November 2010

Information for some indicators needs to be gathered by survey: → MARCO Waikato Regional Perception Survey MARCO Indicators

Quality of Life ”The Waikato region is a great place to live, providing the services and opportunities we need to live well” We can participate in recreation and leisure activities that meet our diverse needs and we have opportunities to enjoy the Waikato region’s natural places and open spaces in responsible ways. We are healthy with active lifestyles and we enjoy a total sense of wellbeing. Everyone has access to affordable quality health services throughout the Waikato region. Education provides opportunities so we can reach our full potential as individuals and contribute to the well-being of the whole region. Our communities and government work together so that we are safe, feel safe and crime is reduced.

MARCO Waikato Regional Perception Survey – A Telephone Survey 780 people interviewed (June/July 2010)780 people interviewed (June/July 2010) Randomly selected within each TARandomly selected within each TA Using a structured questionnaireUsing a structured questionnaire Repeat survey (first survey in 2007)Repeat survey (first survey in 2007) Margin of Error 3.5%Margin of Error 3.5% Response rate 40%Response rate 40% Total cost $32,000 (EW $6k, other councils $26k)Total cost $32,000 (EW $6k, other councils $26k)

Summary of Results

Happiness Index by Demographics (#2)

Happiness Index by Demographics

Happiness with Quality of Life by District

Council Decision Making Factors Comparisons to 2007 Comparison 2010 and 2007

Three biggest issues for your district Waikato River needs cleaning up (Franklin) Do not want business to start up that would damage the environment (Thames- Coromandel) Clean water, more public transport; ensure growth doesn’t destroy the environment (Hamilton)

Three biggest issues your Council should be looking at 'Infrastructure (roading); Parks and reserves; Cultural acceptance’ (Hamilton) 'Fixing some of the footpaths; I’ve slipped a couple of times; Street lighting; Graffiti' (Matamata-Piako) ‘Clean rivers; Roading; Community facilities’ (Hauraki) ‘Providing the area with benefits of living here and trying to attract all businesses to the area' (South Waikato)

Most people in the Waikato perceive their ‘Quality of Life’ as very high or high and are ‘happy’ with their lives. Results are very similar to The main issues are employment opportunities or attracting business (38%), financial or economic issues (19%), environmental concerns (19%), education (17%) and law and order (13%). The main issues for local councils to focus on are roading (21%), environmental concerns (14%) and council services other than roading (12%). Strategic partnerships are an efficient and cost-effective tool to achieve better outcomes, e.g. by sharing information, knowledge and other resourcers. EW has a role in fostering the well being of our communities. Conclusions

Relevance to Councils Meets statutory requirements (LGA 2002) for community outcomes monitoring and reporting –Annual Report 2009/10, Envirocare October 2010 Issue –Waikato Times – Saturday 6 Nov Demonstrates collaboration and cost effectiveness Ensures consistency of data gathering and sharing Provides community feedback and input into the next LTP review ( ) “Knowing your community”

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