Quality of life survey 2026. Topline 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. 7-City Topline report

The 2026 Quality of Life Project is a partnership between seven New Zealand councils. It measures perceptions over several domains related to quality of life. A random selection of residents aged 18 years or over from each council area participated in the survey online.

The survey took place between 2 March 2026 and 22 May 2026.

Background

The 2026 Quality of Life survey is a collaborative local government research project. The primary objective of the survey is to measure residents’ perceptions of aspects of living in larger urban areas.

The survey provides data for councils to use as part of their planning and monitoring activities.

It also contributes to public knowledge and research on quality-of-life issues in New Zealand.

The survey measures residents’ perceptions across several domains, including:

Overall quality of life
Built and natural environment
Housing
Public transport
Local issues
Health, wellbeing and social connections
Climate change
Employment and cost of living
Institutions and Councils

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