Most locals living good life - Survey

Wanganui residents have a high quality of life, a sense of belonging, and feel safe in their homes, according to research commissioned by Wanganui District Council.

The annual community views survey, conducted by Versus Research, on behalf of the council, assesses how Wanganui people feel about the place they live in.

This year's survey was carried out in late April and early May, and sampled 400 residents, selected by suburb.

The survey was presented to the council's strategy and finance committee by Ronel Morgan from Versus Research.

Ms Morgan said overall, most residents give a positive rating for their quality of life, well-being and sense of belonging to the community.

"This continues to present a healthy image of Wanganui. In total, nearly all - 90 per cent - residents think that the general quality of life in Wanganui is better or the same as last year."

Ms Morgan said the things we like about living in Wanganui include having family and friends here, and being part of a good community.

Nearly all residents feel safe in their homes at all times and in the CBD during the day, she said. More people than last year feel their property is safe when they are not at home [92 per cent, compared to 88 per cent last year].

"Disappointingly, there has been a 6 per cent decrease in the proportion of residents who report feeling safe in the CBD during the evening. This is mainly due to aggressive youths and people loitering."

People rated recreational facilities highly, with the top three attractions being the beach, the riverbank walkway and visiting a park. Residents also enjoy visiting the library, being involved in a community organisation and attending a performance at the Royal Wanganui Opera House.

Ms Morgan said while the level of satisfaction with the performance of the mayor and councillors has remained consistent on 55 per cent, the level of dissatisfaction had risen from last year.

Council senior policy advisor, Stephanie Rose, said: "Where change is evident this is most often reflective of slight improvements - however, any increases or decreases overall were quite small.

"Despite a general climate of stabilisation there were some notable gains achieved. These included an 11 per cent improvement in satisfaction with public toilets and significant increases for water services, the rural community board, swimming pools and the Durie Hill elevator," Ms Rose said.