Surveying the wellbeing of Cantabrians

The Canterbury Wellbeing Survey is an opportunity for residents of greater Christchurch (Christchurch City and Selwyn and Waimakariri districts) to say how they’re going.

Public input from the Survey gives the Canterbury DHB and other agencies an idea of emerging trends in community wellbeing and helps to measure the continuing impacts of the earthquakes. The survey is conducted annually.

Data from the Canterbury Wellbeing Survey is also used extensively in the Canterbury Wellbeing Index.

Key findings from the 2018 Canterbury Wellbeing Survey

Over 3,000 greater Christchurch residents took part in the Canterbury Wellbeing Survey in April and May 2018.

The eleventh Canterbury Wellbeing Survey of people in greater Christchurch has continued its upward trend since the 2011 earthquakes.

The overall quality of life for residents is stable and there have been improvements in emotional wellbeing and a reduction in how often residents experience stress.

Eight in ten greater Christchurch residents rate their quality of life positively, while the self-rated WHO-5 measure of emotional wellbeing is at its highest level since it was first recorded in 2013.

Levels of stress have been declining overall since September 2012, with the proportion reporting stress at least sometimes reducing from 80 percent in 2012 to 68 percent in 2018.

Hurdles to recovery remain in greater Christchurch

Disparities are evident, with a number of groups within our community experiencing lower wellbeing as measured by several of the Survey questions. These groups include Māori, those on low incomes, and those with a disability or long-term health condition.

The Survey found that 18 to 24 year olds feel lonely or isolated significantly more than older age groups. Nearly 15 percent of 18 to 24 year olds feel lonely or isolated always or most of the time, compared with less than 3 percent of those over 65.

For more information, contact:

Canterbury Wellbeing Survey Team
Ph:+64 3 364 1777

Ring the Canterbury Support Line on 0800 777 846, if you are finding it hard and need support.

You will be able to talk to someone about accessing the kind of support you need.

Past Canterbury Wellbeing Survey reports

2017 Canterbury Wellbeing Survey

2016 Canterbury Wellbeing Surveys

2015 Canterbury Wellbeing Surveys

2014 Canterbury Wellbeing Surveys

2013 Canterbury Wellbeing Surveys

2012 Canterbury Wellbeing Survey

Page last updated: 10/10/2019

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