16th March 2005
Quality of Life in New Zealand Results
The results of a wide-ranging study of New Zealanders' views of their quality of life were published today. The survey results were compiled from telephone interviews with 7,800 New Zealanders.
Some of the major results for the country as a whole are summarised below.
Key To Tables:
| 5 | Very Positive |
| 4 | Positive |
| 3 | Neutral |
| 2 | Negative |
| 1 | Very Negative |
Quality of Life Factors
Most people seem to be satisfied with their quality of life. The biggest reservations come when asked about work/life balance.
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Your overall quality of life | 28% | 60% | 10% | 2% | 0% |
| Satisfaction with free time | 29% | 51% | 12% | 7% | 1% |
| Satisfaction with your life | 32% | 53% | 12% | 3% | 0% |
| Work / life balance | 21% | 45% | 18% | 14% | 2% |
Health Perceptions
Emotionally, New Zealanders are happy. Perceptions of overall health look somewhat less rosy. A significant minority of Kiwis reported that the cost of visiting a doctor had deterred them from seeking a medical opinion.
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Your health | 20% | 37% | 31% | 10% | 2% |
| Emotional well-being | 34% | 51% | 11% | 1% | 1% |
Sense of Freedom from Crime After Dark
New Zealanders feel safe after dark in their own homes. Their feelings of safety decline as they venture out into their neighbourhood and decline further in their city centres after dark.
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| In your own home | 41% | 48% | 7% | 3% | 1% |
| In your neighbourhood | 19% | 50% | 15% | 13% | 2% |
| In your city centre | 10% | 40% | 21% | 19% | 4% |
Community Factors
New Zealanders are postive about their lack of loneliness or isolation from the community. They are less positive in their perceptions of cultural diversity.
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Strength of community | 15% | 51% | 21% | 11% | 1% |
| Lack of loneliness | 60% | 22% | 15% | 2% | 1% |
| Your city's art scene | 20% | 43% | 21% | 9% | 1% |
| Your view of cultural diversity | 11% | 36% | 42% | 7% | 1% |
The full survey is available in pdf format - large document, 1.4 MB.
