Latest News Urban Water and Aratoi Top Survey Satisfaction Masterton people, more than any other, are happy with their urban water supply, according to national survey results comparing similar sized districts.  Mayor Garry Daniell said the latest annual Communitrak Survey of 400 people randomly selected by telephone showed a 10% increase in Masterton peoples’ satisfaction with urban water – up to a whopping 94% satisfied from 84% a year ago.  This compares to 86% elsewhere in the country.  “Our results are compared with a selection of provincial councils (peer group) and with results from all councils surveyed,” Mr Daniell said. “And given the fact we are continuing to invest in the water supply infrastructure the news is welcome.”  Mr Daniell said another big jump in satisfaction was with Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History, with 71% of respondents satisfied with Aratoi.  The previous year only 59% expressed satisfaction with Aratoi.  Aratoi also exceeded peer and national satisfaction levels, with 91% of those who visited Aratoi saying they were satisfied.  This compared to other galleries rating only 61% (peer group) and 64% (national average). “This tells us we are giving visitors to Aratoi a good experience, and it also tells us that more people think Aratoi is doing well, irrespective of whether they have personally visited,” Mr Daniell said.  Other survey results: Masterton District Council exceeds the satisfaction levels of other provincial councils for:    · the Genesis Energy Recreation Centre,    · parking in the Central Business District,    · its roads    · its water supply. Those who think Masterton is a better place to live listed the following as reasons for the improvement:    · parks and reserves    · general presentation    · business growth    · plenty to do    · Genesis Energy Recreation Centre    · improved facilities and amenities There was also a high level of public support (91%) for community assistance. People generally feel that Masterton is as good as or better than it was three years ago, that it is safe and is preserving its natural environment. Satisfaction with the environment continues to fluctuate between 73% and 80% and is similar to other councils.    The services most used were:    · parks or reserves    · transfer stations    · public library The highest levels of satisfaction are:   Activity   Satisfaction Level 2009 %   Provincial Councils’ Satisfaction 2009 %   Satisfaction level 2008 % Urban water Supply 94 86 84 Parks and Recreation 86 92 89 Parking in CBD 84 68 78 Sewerage System 84 88 83 Library 83 89 81 Roads 79 74 83 Dog Control 75 75 75 Genesis Energy Recreation Centre 74 64 63 Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History 71 61 59 Margin of error: 4.9% Significant difference: 6.9%  Satisfaction with the way the Council involves the public in its decisions is at 47%, with 29% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.  This is comparable with other councils. 1 May 2009