Quality of life survey 2026. Technical report

Author:

Ipsos New Zealand

Source:

Ipsos, Quality of Life Project

Publication date:

2026

Topics:

People

Rangahau te korou o te ora. Quality of Life survey 2026. Technical report

Extract

1.1 Background

The Quality of Life survey 2026 is a collaborative local government research project. The primary objective is to measure residents’ perceptions across a range of factors that impact New Zealanders’ quality of life. The survey was originally established in response to growing pressures on urban communities, concern about the impacts of urbanisation, and the effect of this on residents’ wellbeing. Participating councils use the survey results to help inform their policy and planning responses to population growth and change.

The survey measures residents’ perceptions across several domains that contribute to quality of life and wellbeing, including:

Overall quality of life
Environment (built and natural)
Housing
Public transport
Health, wellbeing and social connections
Social issues and safety
Climate change
Employment and cost of living
Institutions and councils

This report outlines the technical details of the Quality of Life survey 2026, such as methodology, sampling, weighting, and data analysis.

1.2 Council involvement

The Quality of Life survey was first conducted in 2003, repeated in 2004, and has been undertaken every 2 years since. The number of participating councils varied each time and in 2026, Christchurch City Council elected not to participate.

The seven councils that participated in the Quality of Life survey 2026 are:

Auckland Council
Tauranga City Council
Hamilton City Council
Hutt City Council
Porirua City Council
Wellington City Council
Dunedin City Council.

The target population was New Zealanders aged 18+ years, living within the areas governed by the participating councils.

The results for 2026 are provided in the Quality of Life survey 2026 Topline Report. The results for all seven council areas are reported separately and, in addition, the aggregated result for the seven city councils (including Auckland Council) is provided (referred to throughout as the ‘7-city total’).

1.3 Final sample size

A total sample of n=5725 was achieved.

1.4 Survey timing

Fieldwork took place between 2 March and 24 May 2026.

A report prepared on behalf of Auckland Council, Wellington City Council, Dunedin City Council, and Hutt City Council.

Ipsos, Quality of Life Project, August 2026