Living in Porirua is Great Say Residents

Residents in Porirua City say their quality of life is great, the city is safe, and they feel a strong sense of community according to the biennial Quality of Life Survey released this morning.

Most Porirua residents (94%) felt that they had a positive overall quality of life, slightly above the 2008 results (91%), and more than the combined average of the eight cities participating in the survey (92%).

Mayor Nick Leggett says a number of factors attribute to the positive outlook in Porirua.

"We've got the lowest crime rate in the Wellington region and this is reflected in the way people feel about living here. We feel safe in our homes (97% during the day and 95% after dark) and 72% feel safe walking alone in their neighbourhood after dark. This is higher than the eight city average of 69%."

Mayor Leggett says the strong sense of community in Porirua is another reason people enjoy living here.

"65% of Porirua residents agree or strongly agree they feel a sense of community with others in their local neighbourhood. This is an increase of 5% since 2008 and is 5% higher than the eight cities average of 60% in 2010. People in our city are connected and our communities work together well. It's this "Porirua Way" that was recognised at the International Liveable Communities (LivCom) Awards last year when the Porirua community received special recognition as a world leader for the way it works together and makes good things happen for its people and environment."

People living in Porirua also say they have great work/life balance. More than eight in 10 (82%) Porirua residents in paid employment are positive about their balance between work and other aspects of life, with 37% rating very satisfied and 45% rating satisfied. This is slightly higher than the eight cities average of 79%.

"Porirua enjoys the benefits of being 15 minutes drive from the Capital where many residents work and visit easily for the metropolitan experience. Then when they come home, they can truly relax with many properties enjoying fantastic sea or rural views. The lifestyle out here is relaxed, friendly, family focused and convenient," Mayor Leggett says.

And Porirua residents enjoy a rich cultural scene with eight out of 10 (81%) saying that Porirua has a culturally rich and diverse arts scene. This is 6% higher than the eight cities average of 75%. On the down side, just over half (55%) of Porirua residents feel a sense of pride in the way their city looks and feels. This is 11% below the eight cities average of 66%.

Mayor Leggett says that the report's findings about the city's 'pride deficit' are of some concern.

"Residents are happy with everything the city has to offer, but there is still a nagging reluctance to embrace a positive view of Porirua itself. This image problem is like a persistent and unwelcome background noise."

The Quality of Life Survey is a multi-agency research project exploring quality of life issues in New Zealand’s main urban areas. Participating cities include Wellington, Hutt, Porirua, Hamilton, Tauranga, Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland (including the former Rodney District, North Shore, Waitakere, Auckland and Manukau City Councils).

ENDS

© Scoop Media