Aucklanders' wellbeing declines amid financial pressure, survey shows

A biennial survey on urban well-being 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 well-being.

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.

He said most Aucklanders reported a strong sense of connection and support daily.

“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 per cent 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 per cent in 2022. When asked about changes over the past year, 25 per cent said their quality of life had improved, while 30 per cent 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 per cent) said this was due to reduced financial wellbeing,” she said.

Most Aucklanders (72 per cent) think their local area is a great place to live, according to the latest Quality of Life survey. Photo/Auckland Council

Key findings from the survey for Aucklanders:

• 75 per cent of Aucklanders rate their quality of life positively, down from 82 per cent in 2022.

• 30 per cent of respondents say their quality of life has worsened in the past year, with 67 per cent citing financial struggles as the main reason.

• Nearly half (49 per cent) report that their housing costs are unaffordable.

• One in five (22 per cent) struggle to meet daily needs.

• More than a third (37 per cent) frequently worry about their own or their family’s financial situation.

• Crime remains a major concern - 67 per cent identify theft and burglary as issues, 64 per cent highlight dangerous driving and 58 per cent mention vandalism.

Despite these challenges, Reid says there are some positive outcomes - 86 per cent of Aucklanders feel they have practical support, and 68 per cent 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 per cent) reported that this was related to their health care and wellbeing.

"Improved financial wellbeing (26 per cent), lifestyle (23 per cent) and work-related factors (23 per cent) 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.

2524 Auckland residents participated in the survey. Photo / Auckland Council

The councils participating include Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hutt, Porirua, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Waikato Regional Council.

Between April and August 2024, 6994 New Zealanders aged 18 and older, including 2524 Auckland residents, participated in the survey.

The Auckland results have a margin of error of plus or minus two per cent.

A detailed report, including data from the 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.