Water, waste popular whingeing issues

Everyone loves a good whinge.

And according to the latest figures from the three district councils, during the last year everyone in Taranaki loved most to whinge about water, waste and animals.

That's when they weren't on the blower complaining about the state of their local roads and parks.

Data shows that in the New Plymouth District alone for the 2009-10 year to date, the council has received 17,790 service requests – the new name for issues that need to be fixed or answered by technical staff – plus 102 formal complaints and 116 compliments.

While it shows New Plymouth citizens have an untold interest in their parks, it also paints them as a little contrary, as while they made the most complaints about their recreation areas, they also gave them the most compliments.

However, general manager of customer services at NPDC, Cathy Thurston, said despite the parks' popularity the single most popular compliment was for the council's graffiti removal service exceeding the expectation set.

Water and waste was the second-most complained about service in New Plymouth, she said.

In South Taranaki, data was available for only the past six months, however it showed a similar pattern to that of its northern neighbours.

Setting aside the unprecedented number of inquiries about the council's new greenwaste service, southern residents made the most requests about their utilities – a field which includes things like water leaks, blocked drains and sewerage issues.

That was followed closely by 762 queries about animals, including complaints about roaming stock and dogs.

Meanwhile, in Stratford, which follows the South Taranaki policy of recording complaints and compliments together, rubbish, roading and animals tied for the number one spot.

They each received about 20 per cent of the council's 950 "service requests" since January 2009.

Following close behind on 14 per cent were requests about water, then miscellaneous requests on 9 per cent.

- © Fairfax NZ News