Quality of Life in Christchurch

More Christchurch residents rate their quality of life positively than two years ago, according to the results of the 2014 Quality of Life Survey released today. Fewer feel it has declined since 2012, but most believe it has stayed about the same, which is consistent with the patterns from other cities.

Co-sponsored by the Christchurch City Council, the survey asks residents in six cities about issues affecting their quality of life. The other cities taking part are Dunedin, Wellington, Porirua, Hutt and Auckland.

The survey has been run every two years since 2002, and shows that nationally, resident perception of overall quality of life remains high.

Christchurch residents continue to see graffiti, dangerous driving and alcohol or drug abuse as problematic, with each being rated significantly higher than the six city average.

However more residents than before rated themselves as happy, and one in three reported having strong positive contact with neighbours. They also see diversity as beneficial for the city, saying it adds to city vibrancy.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel said, “This survey shows that we’re making small progress. I’m pleased there is an increase in residents’ confidence in Council decision making, but it’s still not good enough. We need to be better especially as we face up to the financial challenges we need to address.”

• 80 % say their quality of life is extremely good or good (77% in 2012)

• 16% say their quality of life had fallen significantly or to some extent (35% in 2012)

• Most say their quality of life has stayed the same at 59%

• 71% happy or very happy (66% in 2012)

• 77% see dangerous driving as a problem (76% in 2012)

• 71% say alcohol and drugs are a problem (75% in 2012)

• 80% see graffiti is a problem (81% in 2012)

• 56% cite air pollution is a problem (47% in 2012)

• 76% see water pollution is a problem (69% in 2012)

• 32% say that they understood council decision-making (25% in 2012)

• 40% say they had confidence in council decision-making (32% in 2012)

The full results of the Quality of Life Survey are at: http://qualityoflifeproject.govt.nz

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