Introduction to Auckland
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, a country located in the Asia-Pacific region. Covering an area of 637 km² and with a population of over 1.7 million people (as of Feb 2025), Auckland makes up nearly one-third of the country’s total population. It is a highly developed city with world-class living standards.
According to various reports and rankings, Auckland scores highly across five key criteria: stability, healthcare, culture & environment, education, and infrastructure. By 2024, Auckland continues to rank among the top 10 most livable cities in the world, and 4th in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranking.
Survey Results on Quality of Life
For many years, Auckland has been recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world. The 2024 quality of life survey in Auckland reveals that 75% of the residents have a positive view of their overall quality of life. This is the result of a local government survey aimed at gathering data on various aspects of community welfare.
The Chairperson of the Auckland Policy and Planning Committee, Councillor Richard Hills, expressed his happiness with the survey results, noting that most Aucklanders feel a strong sense of community and support in their daily lives. He stated, “The results show that the work done by the council in engaging with Auckland communities is making a real difference and helping people thrive. These findings are crucial in shaping how we plan for the future to improve economic, social, and environmental outcomes.”
He also added, “While the results show there is still more work to be done, it’s great to see that 72% of Auckland residents think their local area is a great place to live. Auckland is a wonderful place, and we can be proud of the place we call home.”
Challenges Identified in the Survey
Although the quality of life in Auckland remains high, the positive sentiment has decreased compared to 2022, when 82% of respondents rated their quality of life positively. One of the main reasons cited for this decline is economic pressure. Alison Reid, Head of Economic and Social Research and Evaluation, stated that over two-thirds (67%) of those who reported a decrease in quality of life attributed it to financial difficulties.
Additionally, crime remains a major concern for many residents, with reports of theft, break-ins, dangerous driving, and vandalism in their neighborhoods over the past year.
Positive Improvements
However, there are also some encouraging signs. Around 25% of Auckland residents reported an improvement in their quality of life over the past year. Of those, nearly one-third (32%) said this improvement was related to their health and happiness, while 26% mentioned improved financial well-being.
Moreover, 68% of survey participants rated both their physical and mental health positively. Most people feel they have individuals in their lives they can turn to for practical or emotional support (86% and 85%, respectively). About 72% of Aucklanders agree that their local area is a great place to live, and over half (57%) are satisfied with the look and feel of their neighborhood.
Green Spaces and Quality of Life
One of the unique aspects of Auckland is its blend of urban living and nature. Despite having a dense urban area with over 500,000 residents, Auckland also boasts many peaceful rural areas that preserve natural beauty. Thanks to smart development policies, the city has managed to balance living standards between urban and rural areas, ensuring that residents in both regions enjoy similar levels of well-being. The city’s green spaces, clean air, and tranquil surroundings are regarded as a “special feature” of Auckland.
Conclusion
Auckland remains one of the most desirable cities to live in, offering a high quality of life, green spaces, and a well-developed infrastructure. While there are challenges to address, the city continues to maintain stability and remarkable development, contributing to the satisfaction of the majority of its residents.
