Queenstown Lakes district residents are generally happy with life but their faith in the district council is at rock bottom.

Results from Queenstown Lakes sixth annual Quality of Life Survey show almost three quarters of respondents (72 percent) say they have good or extremely good quality of life.

Residents also have high ratings of pride in the district, and high satisfaction with community facilities and community safety.

But Queenstown Lakes District Council's (QLDC) performance once again took a battering.

Satisfaction with elected councillors hit an all time low, with only 15 percent of residents happy with how they're doing, down from 19 percent the previous year.

QLDC elected councillors, led by mayor Glyn Lewers (centre).

Overall council performance was also under the gun, with only a 15 percent satisfaction rate, down from 20 percent, and only 10 percent believe QLDC is adequately prepared for the future.

A record average rates rise of 14.2 percent, disruption from roadworks and streetscape projects, budget blowouts, the crypto bug debacle, and anger over parking space reductions have all likely contributed to the decline.

Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers said it's "no surprise some people are feeling challenged" after a tough few years for the district and NZ.

"We’ve had multiple crises, infrastructure delays and significant project cost increases, and ballooning costs of living that are hitting many people hard," he said.

"I think it’s a mark of frustration based on longer commutes, traffic cones, public transport issues and affordability, not to mention the national and global challenges we face.”

Glyn said the results of the council-commissioned survey reinforce the work that they need to do.

"I want to be clear that council is listening and hearing these concerns. We have very much been in a delivery phase but are moving to an even greater focus on community and on service.

“Whether it’s the hundreds, if not thousands, of interactions between elected members, staff and community members that happen every day, the facilities we provide such as playgrounds and walking tracks, or essential services like animal control, waste management, or resource consenting; it’s all valuable feedback and allows us to keep focusing on improving."

The Quality of Life Survey received 1,767 responses from residents and 749 responses from non-residents. It was open from October 16 – November 19, 2023.

While 21 percent of residents thought their general quality of life had improved over the past 12 months, 31 percent responded that it had decreased. The cost of living challenge in New Zealand was reported as a major contributory factor in declining quality of life sentiment, with 61 percent citing it as the main reason.

Other key issues influencing residents’ wellbeing include housing insecurity and deficits in transport and health infrastructure. Those are not the direct responsibility of QLDC, although it advocates on residents' behalf.

Go deeper: Housing a major challenge for residents, survey finds

The environment also continues to be an increasing concern for residents and QLDC launched a new climate action website to update residents on its work in this area.

PHOTOS: Supplied