Is This New Zealand’s Happiest City? Where Cold Climate and Lower Income Don’t Dampen Spirits.

A recent survey of over 6,000 people across eight New Zealand cities reveals that residents of Ōtepoti Dunedin are the most positive about their quality of life. While the national average for positive responses was 77%, Dunedin boasted an impressive 83%. This is despite having the coldest climate among the surveyed cities, some areas prone to flooding, and an adult median income that is only 80% of the national median.

Dr. Ian Griffin, director of Tūhura Otago Museum and a passionate advocate for Dunedin since moving from Oxford, UK, 12 years ago, attributes this positivity to several factors. He highlights the city’s relatively affordable house prices, stunning landscape, abundant wildlife, quality schools, and a vibrant university that brings “youthful vitality.” Dunedin also offers a rich cultural scene with numerous museums and art galleries and boasts excellent broadband connectivity, making it ideal for remote work or starting a business.

Sir Ian Taylor, a local businessman, praises Dunedin’s lifestyle, noting that its beaches are popular with surfers even in colder weather. Former mayor Aaron Hawkins emphasizes the city’s easy navigability, great food and coffee, and the strong sense of local pride. While most residents are content, the survey also showed that 6% of Dunedin’s population reported a poor to extremely poor quality of life, a reminder that challenges still exist for some.

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Source: Stuff

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