Greater Christchurch residents more positive, less stressed

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority’s fifth Wellbeing Survey has found overall quality of life in Greater Christchurch continues to improve, and for some, tangible signs of progress and access to new and repaired recreational facilities is a part of this.

Associate Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Nicky Wagner sees that visible rebuild progress in Christchurch is helping to boost people’s quality of life, stating “the quality of life results have been steadily tracking upwards and we are now at a point where 77% of people in the community are reporting their quality of life is good or very good.

The Wellbeing Survey reports “a significant lift in optimism and positive responses among residents”, finding that “loss of recreational, cultural and leisure facilities” was the second highest cause of stress for Christchurch residents – the highest being identified as “being in a damaged environment and/or surrounded by construction work.”

“Loss of indoor sports and active recreation facilities” was the sixth highest source of stress while “loss of outdoor sports and active recreation facilities” was the 11th highest source of stress.

Commenting further on issues surrounding the findings, Associate Minister Wagner stated

“People are more positive and quality of life is improving (and) the infrastructure rebuild is also making a noticeable difference, with fewer people reporting transport-related stress than in the previous survey – 15%, down from 22%.”

The Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) is already 57% through its work programme, with 76% of its inner city work completed.

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) Wellbeing Survey is conducted every six months and the latest results come from the information gathered between September and October 2014.

CERA and its partner agencies, Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council, Waimakariri District Council, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Canterbury District Health Board and the Natural Hazards Research Platform, use the findings from the survey, which is open to all age groups 18 years and over, in their daily decision-making. Nielsen Research contacted 2738 residents who were selected randomly from the electoral roll in Christchurch City, Selwyn and Waimakariri.

Click here to view the results of the latest CERA Wellbeing Survey.

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