Dunedin Declared New Zealand’s Top City for Quality of Life

Ōtepoti Dunedin has been recognized as the leading city for quality of life in New Zealand, according to a recent biennial survey that engaged over 6,000 residents from eight major cities. The survey, detailed in a report by Erin Johnson of Stuff, revealed that despite Dunedin’s colder climate, areas prone to flooding, and a median adult income at only 80% of the national average, the city boasts the highest percentage of residents who view their quality of life positively.

In the 2024 survey, an impressive 83% of Dunedin respondents rated their quality of life as good to extremely good, surpassing the 77% average reported across all participating cities. This statistic highlights Dunedin’s unique charm and livability, making it a standout location in New Zealand.

Community Perspectives on Dunedin’s Appeal

Dr Ian Griffin, director of Tūhura Otago Museum, is one of Dunedin’s most passionate advocates. Having relocated from Oxford, UK, twelve years ago, he expressed his affection for the city, stating, “I must have spent the best part of 500 to 700 nights looking at auroras.” Griffin attributes Dunedin’s appeal to its relatively affordable housing, stunning natural landscapes, rich wildlife, strong education system, and the presence of a prominent university.

He noted that the city’s student population contributes significantly to its vibrancy, saying, “You notice it when they’re gone. From November to February, the place gets quieter.” Griffin also emphasized Dunedin’s cultural richness, pointing to institutions like the Tūhura Otago Museum, the Hocken Collections, and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. “For a city of 100,000 people, we’ve got an incredibly rich cultural scene,” he remarked.

Dunedin’s robust digital infrastructure has also enhanced its quality of life. Winning the Gigatown competition in 2014 allowed the city to provide one gigabit-per-second broadband, making it an attractive hub for entrepreneurs and remote workers. Griffin added, “If you are starting a company or want to work remotely, then Dunedin’s the place to be.”

Economic Growth and Lifestyle Factors

The city’s technological advancements were recently showcased when Dunedin-based Animation Research, founded by Sir Ian Taylor, produced live graphics for the 2025 Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia. He highlighted the global reach of their work, stating, “The whole world was watching our graphics as Rory McIlroy won that amazing event, and we were doing it from Dunedin.” Taylor emphasized that he could not have launched this business anywhere else, citing strong connections with the university and the television industry.

Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in Dunedin’s attractiveness. Taylor noted that despite perceptions of it being cold and dark, the city has a thriving beach culture. “Yesterday the beach was full of people surfing. Waves were breaking right up to the waterfront where I was sitting having pizza with other people,” he shared.

Former mayor Aaron Hawkins echoed these sentiments, highlighting Dunedin’s accessibility, food and drink culture, and local pride. However, he cautioned against complacency, stating, “But with anything like this, you can never rest on your laurels.” Hawkins stressed the importance of maintaining community infrastructure such as skate parks and public art, emphasizing their vulnerability during economic challenges. “That’s something we need to be mindful of in the longer term,” he advised.

While the survey results were predominantly positive, it also revealed that 6% of Dunedin respondents reported a poor to extremely poor quality of life, slightly below the national average of 8%. Taylor reminded the community, “We need to remind ourselves that while we are comfortable, there are more people that aren’t.”

The survey included 6,194 participants from cities including Auckland, Hamilton, and Wellington, with 581 respondents from Dunedin. These findings underscore the city’s strengths while also acknowledging areas for improvement, reflecting a nuanced view of life in one of New Zealand’s most celebrated cities.