Migrants rank New Zealand as top living destination
New Zealand cities dominate world quality of living survey
New Zealand cities fare well in terms of worldwide quality of living standards, making them attractive destinations for migrants, as found by Mercer’s 2009 Worldwide Quality of Living Survey.
Auckland rated 4th best place to live in the world
Auckland is one of the best cities in the world, and the highest ranked city in the Asia-Pacific region. Auckland placed fourth, and the New Zealand capital, Wellington, was not far behind at 12th place.
The analysis of 215 cities by Mercer Human Resource Consulting is based on an evaluation of 39 quality of living criteria. These include political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health, education, transport and other public services.
Top cities in the world
The top ranking cities in 2009 were Vienna (Austria), Zurich (Switzerland), Geneva (Switzerland), and Vancouver (Canada), which tied for fourth place with Auckland.
Scores are based on the quality and availability of hospital and medical supplies and levels of air pollution and infectious diseases. The efficiency of waste removal and sewage systems, water portability and the presence of harmful animals and insects are also taken into account.
The rankings are based on data collected by Mercer between September and November 2008, and the data is regularly updated to take account of changing circumstances.
British migrants rate NZ as #1 expat destination
A NatWest International bank survey of more than 2000 British immigrants living in 12 countries found that New Zealand got the highest ratings in all areas and topped the list of places to live. According to respondents, New Zealand has one of the lowest average property prices in the developed world, a better quality of life and a favourable tax regime. Those criteria, amongst others, put the country ahead of Canada, which topped the poll in 2008.
“Expats say they are living healthier lifestyles abroad, whilst also benefiting financially. This is particularly true for expats in New Zealand who not only say they benefit from low property prices, a favourable taxation system and a healthy lifestyle but also the beauty of New Zealand's natural environment,” commented Dave Isley, head of NatWest International personal banking.
New Zealand quality of life survey
Every five years New Zealand’s 12 largest city councils are rated for their quality of life, in a quality of life report. The 2007 report by the Metropolitan Sector Group showed the majority of residents in the cities (90%) felt they had a positive overall quality of life.
They enjoyed clean air and water and had ready access to employment, housing and services such as health and education. The economy was strong, median personal and household incomes had increased, there had been an increase in jobs and a drop in unemployment.
The 12 cities accounted for nearly two-thirds of all economic activity in New Zealand
Auckland
Auckland is known as the City of Sails, with a 1600km long coastline. It is home to 1.37 million people and is the fastest-growing region in the country. About 70% of new migrants to New Zealand settle in the Auckland region with one-third of all people who call Auckland home born overseas.
Two-thirds of the country’s top 200 companies and one third of the nation’s workforce are based in Auckland. Nearly a quarter of the world’s Fortune 500 companies have a presence in the region.
Auckland was also ranked the top city for quality of life in the Asia-Pacific region, followed by Sydney, Wellington, Melbourne and Perth.
Wellington
Wellington is home to just under 500,000 residents, about 11% of the total national population, and more than half were born outside New Zealand. It is the capital city where Parliament resides and employment growth is driven by the government sector, property and business services, construction and retail trade.
Wellington is built around a sparkling clean harbour, and surrounded by hills. It is a city where culture and art is cherished and you can find the national museum, Te Papa, and the ‘Lord of the Rings’ award-winning Weta Studios.
More about New Zealand’s cities and towns
With such a diversity of landscapes and towns, you will find it hard to choose where to live in New Zealand. Get information on regions in New Zealand from Northland to Southland and everything in between, from our ‘Where to live in New Zealand’ section.
