Most Auckland respondents feel they have people in their lives they can call on if they need practical or emotional support. Photo: Auckland Council / Supplied
A biennial survey on urban wellbeing has found that three in four Aucklanders rate their quality of life positively.
However, rising financial struggles and concerns about crime are contributing to an overall decline in wellbeing.
About 2500 residents participated in the local government project, which gathers data on issues affecting urban residents.
Councillor Richard Hills, chair of Auckland's Policy and Planning Committee, says he is pleased with the latest survey results.
Most Aucklanders reported a strong sense of connection and support in their daily lives, he said.
"The results show, in part, that the work council does with Auckland communities makes a difference and can help people to thrive. These results are helpful in shaping how we plan for the future to improve economic, social and environmental outcomes.
"Although the results show there is always more work to do, it is fantastic to see that 72 percent of Aucklanders think their local area is a great place to live. Auckland is a wonderful place, and we can be proud of where we call home."
Despite the high quality of life ratings, they have dropped from 82 percent in 2022. When asked about changes over the past year, 25 percent said their quality of life had improved while 30 percent indicated it had worsened.
Alison Reid, team manager of social and economic research and evaluation, attributed the decline mainly to economic pressures.
"Of those Aucklanders who said their quality of life had decreased, more than two-thirds (67 percent) said this was due to reduced financial wellbeing," she said.
Key findings from the survey for Aucklanders:
- 75 percent of Aucklanders rate their quality of life positively, down from 82 percent in 2022.
- 30 percent of respondents say their quality of life has worsened in the past year, with 67 percent citing financial struggles as the main reason.
- Nearly half (49 percent) report that their housing costs are unaffordable.
- One in five (22 percent) struggle to meet daily needs.
- More than a third (37 percent) frequently worry about their own or their family's financial situation.
- Crime remains a major concern - 67 percent identify theft and burglary as issues, 64 percent highlight dangerous driving and 58 percent mention vandalism.
Despite these challenges, Reid says there are some positive outcomes - 86 percent of Aucklanders feel they have practical support, and 68 percent rate their physical and mental health positively.
"One in four Aucklanders said their quality of life had increased in the last year. Of that group, nearly a third (32 percent) reported that this was related to their healthcare and wellbeing. Improved financial wellbeing (26 percent), lifestyle (23 percent) and work-related factors (23 percent) also featured."
The council plans to use the results to inform future strategies and assess economic, social, and environmental outcomes as outlined in the Auckland Plan 2050 and Ngā Hapori Momoho, the Thriving Communities Strategy.
About the survey
The Quality of Life survey involves nine councils as part of a local government research initiative. The councils participating include Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hutt, Porirua, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Waikato Regional Council.
A total of 6994 New Zealanders aged 18 and older participated in the survey between April and August 2024, including 2524 Auckland residents.
The Auckland results have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percent.
A detailed report, including data by local board, age, and ethnicity, will be available on the Quality of Life website in February 2025.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
