MEDIA RELEASE
Paul Eagle, Wellington City Councillor
3 August 2013

Wellington's public services need more focus, Eagle says

Wellington City Councillor Paul Eagle says the Council must put more focus on delivery of public services to meet the expectations of ratepayers.

"We definitely need leadership, but we also need better service delivery because that's the point where people feel the effects of our decisions," he said.

Mr Eagle was responding to a pre-election report from the Wellington City Chief Executive which showed high levels of pride in the city (82%) but only 50% of residents saying they get value for money from Council services.

"That's not good enough in my book and I want us to put more focus on the delivery of public services. In my view that's about a change in culture and putting people first in everything we do.

The report shows only a quarter of residents feel like they’ve had a say in Council decisions, reflecting very little understanding or involvement in what services management decides are important.

“Wellingtonians are simply left out of the process, so it's little wonder that public services are being eroded such as community centres, libraries, parks and street cleaning.”

Mr Eagle said he was particularly concerned at the impact on the city's reputation from issues like expensive car parking.

"When you focus on the money and forget about the people, you're putting your reputation at risk and that's short sighted," Mr Eagle said.

Mr Eagle says he would start with a plan to seek ratepayer views on the services they want from council and how council is performing in delivering them.

"I'm not going to stop until I'm satisfied that we've returned people to the centre of everything we do. It's a case of human decency and basic public service," he said.

Online copy of WCC’s pre-election report:
http://wellington.govt.nz/have-your-say/elections/election-2013/pre-election-report

ENDS

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