Auckland in world's top lifestyle cities
28 May 2010
Auckland is officially one of the world’s best cities to live in, according to the 2010 Mercer Quality of Living Survey. New Zealand’s ‘City of Sails’ tied for fourth place out of 50 of the world’s top cities.
Wellington retained its no. 12 spot from 2009, but scored highly in the
‘eco-city’ category, coming in at fifth place. The ‘eco-city’ ranking
looks at factors such as water availability and potability, waste
removal, sewage, air pollution and traffic congestion.
Mercer evaluated living conditions in 420 cities worldwide, rating them out of 10 categories. The cities are all evaluated against New York - which is used as a benchmark.
Mercer spokesperson Georgina Harley said New Zealand cities were recognised for having quality housing close to the city, political stability, good transport and a "wide selection of restaurants".
City of Sails
Auckland tied for fourth place in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey
with the Canadian city of Vancouver - and was the only city in the
Asia-Pacific region to score in the top five. The top three cities were
European.
The 'City of Sails' is New Zealand’s largest and most multicultural city.
Auckland’s Māori name - Tamaki-makau-rau - means ‘the maiden with a hundred suitors’, because it was coveted by many tribes. More than 18 Māori tribes have had a claim on Auckland at some time.
Visitors can get the full Māori cultural experience in Auckland, from tasting traditional kai / food to the Tamaki Hikoi, a walking tour utilising Māori guides from the local Ngati Whatua tribe.
A visit to Auckland War Memorial Museum - home to the largest and most valuable collection of Māori and Pacific Island taonga / treasure in New Zealand is also a must.
As well as Māori culture, Auckland city is close to rugged west coast surf beaches, and offers adventure and outdoors activities - from canyoning to abseiling, bungy jumping, scenic flights or boat rides, whale watching, day walks and tramping expeditions.
Auckland’s many restaurants and cafés serve high quality land and sea produce, blending Pacific and Asian flavours and style.
"Withstanding financial conditions over the past 12 months, these cities have proven to an international workforce that they are a good long-term option for pursuing career development opportunities and for gaining experience in a mature and stable environment," said Harley.
Top 10 cities - Mercer Quality of Living survey:
- Vienna, Austria (1)
- Zurich, Switzerland (2)
- Geneva, Switzerland (3)
- Auckland, New Zealand (= 4)
- Vancouver, Canada (= 4)
- Dusseldorf, Germany (6)
- Frankfurt, Germany (= 7)
- Munich, Germany (= 7)
- Bern, Switzerland (9)
- Sydney, Australia (10)
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