Auckland & Wellington Still Rank Among World’s Most Liveable Cities – But Have We Dropped a Beat?
(Image: Wellington harbour on a sunny day – as per source)
New rankings reveal Auckland adn Wellington continue to offer a high quality of life, but a closer look shows a slight shift in the global landscape.
Auckland and Wellington have once again secured spots in the top 20 most liveable cities worldwide for 2025, according to the latest report from the Economist Intelligence Unit. The City of Sails shares seventh place wiht Osaka, Japan – a climb of two spots from last year – while the capital city holds steady at 20th.While both cities remain highly desirable places to live, the results spark a question: are we maintaining our edge? Auckland previously held the coveted #1 spot in 2021, and Wellington was a close fourth. This year’s rankings see Australian cities Melbourne and Sydney performing strongly at 4th and 6th respectively, highlighting fierce competition in the region.
These rankings consider factors like stability, healthcare, culture & habitat, education, and infrastructure. Maintaining a position in the top 20 is a testament to the ongoing efforts to create thriving, vibrant communities in both cities.
But what does this mean for Kiwis? it reinforces New Zealand’s reputation as a desirable destination, attracting talent and investment. However,it also underscores the importance of continued investment in infrastructure and services to ensure we don’t fall behind.
