Poll Update #3

Your rates and how they're spent

Even though the total number voting is somewhat smaller than the other polls, and thus the result less reliable, one figure stands out - only seven percent of you are happy with the status quo.

Given the present Council is only about a third of the way through it's term, that's probably more of a reflection on the previous council(s) than the present one.

You're divided on which way this Council ought to go, though. Fifty three percent want lower rates and are prepared to put up with fewer services to get them, while 40 percent are willing to pay more rates because they want more services.

Our conclusion: Too close to call.

Though it does suggest that a referendum listing a few items chosen by Council itself is far too blunt a tool to determine what Wanganui wants it's money spent on, or even how much it wants to pay. Asked this sort of question, people's reaction tends to come more from the heart than the head. A percentage of those who say "I want more money in my pocket" will be among those who complain when facilities are downgraded as a result. Similarly, those who support more money being spent on one thing may balk when it's spent on something else, or when their higher rates bill actually needs to be paid.

Face-to-face consultation, if conducted in an inclusive manner that encourages all points of view, would seem to be needed first to attempt to arrive at some consensus.

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