Christchurch City Council welcomes Quality of Life survey results
16 March 2005
The most recent results from the national Quality of Life Project survey will be of assistance to the Christchurch City Council (CCC) and other city agencies in their planning, says senior researcher Kath Jamieson.
The telephone survey of 7800 people living in New Zealand’s main urban areas was done at the end of last year and included 800 Christchurch people. All were asked for their assessment of various important quality-of-life issues and how these impacted on well being.
The survey builds on a similar one done in 2002 and considers topics which link well with top-line goals, called Community Outcomes, built into the CCC’s Long-Term Community Plan. In preparation for a three-year review of its long-term plan, the community will soon be asked by the Council for its opinions about these Community Outcomes.
Ms Jamieson says that, in comparison to the country’s other large cities, the survey shows Christchurch people believe their city is doing well with quality-of-life issues.
“Christchurch people have higher-than-average levels of pride in the way our city looks and feels and most of us - regardless of age, income level or ethnicity - say that the city provides easy access to key local services and amenities.
“Most of us who are working say we’re in jobs that allow us to use our skills, training and experience,” she says. “Another above-average result is that we have higher rates of confidence in Council decision-making. Most of us describe ourselves as healthy and happy and say that we feel safe in our homes.
“Most of us are satisfied with our free time and feel our city has a culturally rich and diverse arts scene. We’re a bit ahead of most of the other big cities in feeling our public transport is affordable, and we also describe it as safe and convenient. “
The survey suggests, however, that residents also think there are areas where their city could improve. The “more effort needed” column includes improving perceptions of business ethics and responsibility, increasing the proportion who understand Council decision-making, considering how the city could foster greater “connectedness” and positivity about cultural diversity.
“The survey also suggests our city could work on improving access to health care, especially for people on lower incomes, and continue with work to improve people’s feelings of safety in the centre of town,” Ms Jamieson says.
- National level results from the Quality of Life survey and more information about the Quality of Life Project are on the web, at www.bigcities.govt.nz
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The survey is a joint project of the cities taking part - Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, Porirua, Hutt City, Tauranga, Hamilton, Waitakere, Manukau, Auckland, North Shore and Rodney - and the Ministry of Social Development.
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