11 April 2006

Auckland quality of life ranking music to mayoral ears

Auckland city Mayor Dick Hubbard says it's music to his ears that the city has today been been ranked fifth in the world for quality of life, up three places from last year.

"Aucklanders already know the city offers a unique lifestyle and it's great to see the rest of the world recognises that too," he says.

"It's our job to make sure we preserve those things which contribute to this city's unique lifestyle including our beautiful harbours, beaches, gulf islands and volcanic cones, high personal safety and the celebration of different cultures."

The results announced today are part of Mercer's annual Worldwide Quality of Living Survey, covering more than 350 cities, to help governments and multinational companies place employees on international assignments.

Each city is based on an evaluation of 39 criteria, including political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health, education, transport and other public services.

Auckland was ranked fifth behind Zurich, Geneva, Vancouver and Vienna. The closest Australian city was Sydney which ranked ninth. Wellington moved up two places from 14th to 12th.

ENDS

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