About the Survey

    How long will the survey take to complete?

    Around 15-20 minutes.

    What types of questions are included in the survey?

    Here is a selection of sample questions which ask you to select an answer or write a comment.

    1. How would you best describe your current living situation? (Please select one answer)

    • I have a steady place to live.
    • I have a place to live today, but I am worried about losing it in the future.
    • I do not have a steady place to live
    • Prefer not to answer

    2. We’d like to know how well your income meets your basic needs for accommodation, food, clothing, heating, bills, and transport. Which one of the following statements best describes your household? (Please select one answer)

    • I can cover my expenses and have a sufficient level of disposable income
    • I can cover my expenses and have some disposable income
    • I can cover my expenses but have no disposable income
    • I cannot cover my expenses
    • Prefer not to answer

    3. Is there anything else you would like to add about housing? (Please comment)

    4. Below are some statements relating to your employment in the last 12 months. Please indicate how much you agree with each of the following statements. (Please select one answer for each row) 

    • I find my work fulfilling
    • I have learnt something new in the last 12 months
    • My skills are being utilised to full capacity
    • I have a good work/life balance 
    • There are opportunities for promotion or career advancement
    • There is a long-term career path for me in the district

    5. Below are some statements relating to your culture. Please indicate how much you agree with the following statements. (Please select one answer for each row)

    • I have a strong connection to my culture
    • I can participate, perform, or attend activities or groups that align to my culture
    • I have the opportunity to use language to express my culture
    • I can express my culture without feeling excluded from my neighbourhood, community, or town.

    6. Thinking about the public transport in the district, how strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements? (Please select one answer for each row)                                

    • Public transport is affordable
    • Public transport is frequent enough to meet my needs
    • Public transport is reliable (it arrives/departs on time)
    • Public transport is easy to get to from my house
    • Public transport is accessible for my needs
    • Overall, the public transport available in the district meets the needs or residents

    7. Thinking about the neighbourhood in which you live, please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements? (Please select one answer for each row)

    • This is a welcoming community
    • Living in this neighbourhood gives me a sense of community or belonging
    • There is a strong and active community in this neighbourhood
    • I participate in activities within my neighbourhood
    • The neighbourhood is safe for myself, my family, and others

    Are my responses anonymous?

    Responses are anonymous, you cannot be identified from any information provided in the survey.

    How does this differ from the Census?

    The census only occurs every five years. This survey takes an in-depth look at life and issues specific to our district every year.

    Do my responses actually make a difference?

    Yes. By having data we are able to better understand our communities, and the views of many not just those that shout the loudest.  

    Where issues are in control of the Council, we can make more informed decisions based on this data.  Where services are not in our control, we can facilitate discussions and advocate for improvements. 


    I’ve provided feedback in previous years, why should I do it this year?

    A lot can change over 12 months so taking part every year provides council with an up to date snapshot into what life is like for people living in the Queenstown Lakes District. It also allows council to track its performance against key indicators over time. 

    Additionally, the survey questions may evolve depending on the current issues facing the district’s residents. By completing the survey annually you are providing council with valuable information on the most up to date issues facing our district.   

Taking part in the Survey

    Can temporary residents or visitors take part?

    Temporary residents can take part but not visitors, sorry.

    Why can't people younger than 18 take part?

    We only include those 18 and over, mainly because our sources of sample (electoral roll and ratepayer database) only contain residents 18 and over.  

    However there are some clear regulations/reasoning around ages to include in research. These are detailed in the Research Association NX Code of Practice: www.researchassociation.org.nz/resources/Documents/RANZ%20Code%20of%20Practice%20July%202015%20final.pdf.

    Can everyone in my household take part or is it just one entry per household?

    Everyone in your household can take part, as long as they are 18 years and over.

Additional questions

    Who do I contact if I have further questions?


    Please contact Versus Research if you have any questions about the survey on 0800 837 787.

    If you have a media enquiry, please contact QLDC Communications on communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.


    Who conducts the survey?

    Queenstown Lakes District Council has commissioned Versus Research to complete the survey on its behalf. Versus Research handles all survey responses, ensures the survey sample used is representative of the Queenstown-Lakes population, and provide analysis of the key findings.

    When can I see the results?

    Results will be available on the QLDC website early 2024.