Auckland’s topline results for the 2022 Rangahau te Korou o te Ora / Quality of Life Survey have been released, showing 82 per cent of Aucklanders rate their overall quality of life positively.
The survey, which is undertaken every two years, is a collaborative local government research project that collects data on a range of current and topical issues relevant to residents’ wellbeing in urban New Zealand.
Auckland Council’s Team Manager, Economic and Social Research and Evaluation, Alison Reid says while it’s great to see that the majority of respondents in Tāmaki Makaurau are happy with their quality of life overall, the results are also a reminder that there are ongoing challenges facing many Aucklanders.
“Tāmaki Makaurau is a special place, due to its unique environment, ethnic and cultural diversity, and the social and economic opportunities it offers. But as the population continues to increase, and the cost of living rises, we see continued reporting among some of a lack of pride in their local area, economic stress and social isolation.
“The survey findings highlight the significant impact that COVID-19 and associated economic ramifications has had on people’s wellbeing. It also shows that many Aucklanders are worried about the impacts of climate change on the future of Auckland.
“The results will be used by the council to help plan for the future and to monitor economic, social and environmental outcomes, such as outlined in the Auckland Plan 2050 and Ngā Hapori Momoho, our Thriving Communities Strategy.”
Three quarters (75 per cent) of respondents agree that their local area is a great place to live and over half (56 per cent) agree they feel proud of the way their local area looks and feels.
It’s not all good news though. Housing affordability remains a key issue across the country, and 48 per cent of Auckland respondents did not agree that their current housing costs were affordable.
Crime is another key concern raised in the survey, with residents worried about theft and burglary (70 per cent), dangerous driving (66 percent) and vandalism (61 per cent) in their local areas.
The survey also shows that COVID-19 has negatively impacted on respondents’ physical health (48 per cent), mental health (65 per cent) and financial wellbeing (47 per cent).
Almost half (44 per cent) of Auckland respondents were worried about the impact of climate change on the future of Auckland.
Read the full Topline Report on the Quality of Life website [PDF].
About the survey
The Quality of Life survey is a collaborative local government research project. Nine councils participated in this year’s survey including Auckland Council, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hutt, Porirua, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin city councils, as well as Greater Wellington Regional Council.
The fieldwork and analysis were undertaken by NielsenIQ. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28 March and 13 June 2022. A total of 7518 New Zealanders completed the survey – of whom 2612 were Auckland residents.
All sample surveys are subject to sampling error and the Auckland results are subject to a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 per cent.
A detailed report for Auckland that presents results by local board area, and across broad age and ethnic groups is available on the Quality of Life website [PDF].
