Dunedin residents have reported high quality of life levels in the latest Rangahau te Korou o te Ora / Quality of Life Survey, with 83% of local respondents recording a positive response.
Additionally, more than three-quarters of respondents (76%) felt Dunedin was a great place to live.
The survey, which is held biennially, was conducted by the independent research company Ipsos between April and August 2024, with 581 Dunedin residents taking part.
Dunedin was one of eight city council areas included – alongside Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hutt City, Porirua, Wellington and Christchurch – as well as the Waikato District Council. The survey results are available online: Survey Results – The Quality of Life Project
“It’s no secret that Dunedin is a fantastic city in which to live, work, study and play,” says the city’s Mayor, Jules Radich.
“We have a warm and welcoming community, with world-class scenery and wildlife right on our doorstep. We’re proud of our innovative business sector, outstanding education providers and rich arts, culture and heritage. It makes sense that so many Dunedin residents rate their quality of life highly and consider our city a great place to live.”
The survey’s results have shown a consistent decline in reported quality of life across the eight cities since 2020, however more Dunedin respondents experienced an increase in their quality of life (27%) than a decline (24%).
Most Dunedin respondents rated their physical, mental and spiritual health positively (72%, 70% and 71% respectively), while 83% expressed satisfaction with the health of their relationships.
Confidence in local government decision-making improved among Dunedin residents (32%, up from 25% in 2022), as did the belief that the public has an influence on council decision-making (39%, up from 28% in 2022).
“It’s pleasing to see these numbers travelling in a positive direction, but I would like to see them increase even further,” says Mr Radich.
The Draft 9 Year Plan 2025-2034 process is one way for residents to get involved in local decision-making and help shape the future direction of the city, he says.
“We’re striving to strike the right balance to ensure affordability for ratepayers while continuing to invest in the city so it remains a great place to live. There will be some tough decisions ahead, so it’s important for people to get involved and share their views when community consultation commences in March.”