Young people 2022 quality of life survey snapshot

Author:

Ashleigh Prakash

Source:

Auckland Council Research and Evaluation Unit, RIMU, Quality of Life Project

Publication date:

2023

Topics:

People

Extract:

Overview

Young people aged 18 to 24 years old made up 14 per cent of the overall 2022 Quality of Life sample. They were ethnically diverse, with around one in ten selecting multiple ethnic groups. The majority stated that they were born in New Zealand. In addition, around one in five young people selected a gender or sexual identity that identified them as part of the Rainbow community.

This group were positive about their quality of life, with 81 per cent rating it as good, very good, or excellent. They were highly engaged in labour and study opportunities, with half indicating that they were a student, and many working in either full-or part-time employment. There were some ethnic group differences, with Pacific young people more likely than others to have taken on caregiving responsibilities in their families.

Mental wellbeing was an area of concern, with only half of young respondents rating their mental health positively, and a similar proportion reporting they had frequently experienced stress that had a negative impact on them. Despite this, young people were well-connected to support and had a high level of social participation. ...

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The Quality of Life survey was first conducted in 2003, repeated in 2004, and has been undertaken every two years since. The number of participating councils has varied each time.

Nine councils participated in the 2022 Quality of Life survey project, as follows:

Auckland Council
Hamilton City Council
Tauranga City Council
Hutt City Council
Porirua City Council
Wellington City Council
Christchurch City Council
Dunedin City Council
Greater Wellington Regional Council

The target population was New Zealanders aged 18 years and over, living within the areas governed by the participating councils.

May 2023

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