How does Auckland city really rank in liveability terms?
Wednesday, 16 September 2015 by Mark Sandiford
Conducted by the Economist
Intelligence Unit (EIU), the World's Most Liveable Cities Report
2014 included 140 cities from across the world, and for the fifth
year in a row Auckland found itself within the top 10.
TOP TEN MOST LIVEABLE CITIES
1. Melbourne,
Australia
2. Vienna, Austria
3. Vancouver, Canada
4. Toronto, Canada
5. Adelaide, Australia
6. Calgary, Canada
7. Sydney, Australia
8. Helsinki, Finland
9. Perth, Australia
10. Auckland, New Zealand
What constitutes a liveable city?
The report compared stability, healthcare, culture/environment,
education and infrastructure to reach an overall score. On an overall ranking Melbourne was
found to be the planet's most liveable city with Vienna and
Vancouver coming in second and third. Taking 10th spot, Auckland scored an overall
95.7, which was fewer than two points behind first place holder
Melbourne on 97.5.
In other areas of analysis, Auckland scored a perfect 100 for
education, scored second highest for culture and environment with
97 points, but scored only 92.9 for infrastructure - a strong
indication of those issues that need attention should Auckland want
to reach a higher placing in the line-up.
From 10th place, the only way forward is up
In its pursuit to be the number one most livable city, Auckland
has been working to bridge the gap between the idea of people-first
design and the actual delivery of people-first design to create the
World's Most Liveable City.
With a recognition that liveability starts with an understanding
of people's behaviour and needs, the liveable city approach is
given momentum via strategic policies like The Auckland Plan, The
City Centre Master plan and The Waterfront Plan.
At 10th place Auckland is already a powerhouse on the
world liveability rankings and the report notes that the cities
which scored best tended to be mid-sized, in wealthier countries
and with a relatively low population density. Auckland definitely fits that mould
and ranking 10th
in the report shows that there
are still challenges to overcome for Auckland to become the MOST
liveable city.
How does the city become more liveable?
The Auckland Plan is a guiding light in the movement towards
gaining the liveability top spot and was developed in partnership
with government, business, Māori and non-government organisations.
It is a full-service spatial and infrastructure plan for the next
30 years and in-line with the EIU report, combines economic,
social, cultural and environmental goals.
The Auckland Plan guides the city's investment, planning rules
and psyche, all in line with the concept of a design-led city which
intergrates plans for an
expanded pedestrian network, many more invitations to stay in the
city, and an aim to double pedestrian activity at selected
locations in just five years.
Movements like this are
designed to leave behind Auckland's reputation as a city of cars
and become a solid movement towards a design-led and smart living
city that better serves its citizens - aka, a liveable
city. Taking
active steps towards becoming the most liveable city in the world,
Auckland is not only a great place to live, or aspire to live in
but also to visit.
Kiwi International Hotel has always known how
great Auckland is and the inner city's reputation as an innovative,
creative and increasingly well designed place to be has helped
solidify the hotel's location as being the ideal base for those new
to the city.
Taking inspiration and lessons from other high ranking liveable
cities like Melbourne and Vancouver; Auckland has a plan to
incorporate design consciousness and innovation into the very DNA
of the city itself.
The intention is that the process of design will unlock the
creative minds of business, government and Aucklanders so the
city's design and culture will be seen as having and leading with a
competitive edge. With a
direct and focused approach, it is only time that stands in the way
of Auckland reaching the first place ranking - it's not a matter of when.
Why not experience "liveability" for yourself
To experience a city that has "people focused" design at its
core why not visit Auckland city and better yet, stay within the heart of the city.
There is no other budget concious, quality and centrally located
hotel more fitting than Kiwi International
Hotel. Situated in
Queen St, it is at the epicentre of change.
From here you can stroll to, and take in the sights of the
Wynyard Quarter or perhaps K'Road for coffee and an
alternative vibe.
Whether travelling with family, friends, as a couple or alone,
the Kiwi International Hotel has an accomodation
option to suit you - check out the options, book and enjoy some
time in one of the worlds top 10 (and climbing) most liveable
cities.