Hamiltonians rate their quality of life positively and feel accepted and valued in their community.
Results of the Quality of Life Survey 2026 show 75% of Hamilton residents have a favourable view of their quality of life.
About one in four Hamiltonians believe their quality of life has improved compared to 12 months ago while almost half say it has remained about the same.
Healthcare and wellbeing (34%), work-related factors (26%) and financial wellbeing (24%) are key reasons Hamilton residents report a higher overall satisfaction with life.
The Quality of Life Survey takes place every two years and collects data from seven urban centres, including Hamilton. In addition to the Quality of Life Survey, Hamilton City Council carries out a yearly Hamilton Kirikiriroa Resident Survey which monitors Hamiltonians’ experiences and perceptions, as well as satisfaction with Council services.
More than half of respondents (53%) are happy with how Hamilton looks and feels, up from 38% last year. More than two-thirds of Hamiltonians also believe their city is a great place to live.
Almost nine in 10 respondents say they have easy access to parks and open spaces, while 71% are happy with the maintenance of these spaces.
Confidence in Council decision-making has also improved since the last Quality of Life Survey, increasing from 30% in 2024 to 38% in 2026.
Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe said the survey results show Council is making progress on the priorities it was elected to deliver.
“These results reinforce the importance of investing in the services and amenities that Hamiltonians value most. Quality public spaces play a vital role in building strong communities. We are also fortunate to live in a city with beautiful green spaces that contribute significantly to people’s wellbeing, quality of life and sense of community.
It’s great to see that we are moving in the right direction, but we know there is still plenty of work to do.”
Hamiltonians have a positive view of public transport, with more than half of respondents saying it is reliable and affordable.
Almost 80% of respondents feel safe in Hamilton’s central city during the day. However, this sentiment drops to 35% at night. More than half of Hamiltonians (56%) say they feel safe walking in their neighbourhood after dark.
Begging, sleeping rough and anti-social behaviour in public places remain issues of concern for Hamilton residents.
Mayor Macindoe said Council is focused on ensuring the central city is welcoming, safe and vibrant for everyone, both during the day and at night.
“Like all major cities, Hamilton faces its share of challenges, and I acknowledge that many Hamiltonians don’t feel safe in our CBD at night. This is why I have elevated central city revitalisation to a full committee of the whole, to ensure it receives the attention and focus it deserves. I am also encouraging a focus on initiatives that improve our residents’ sense of security and pride. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated approach. That’s why Council is working closely with Central Government and partner agencies.”
The Quality of Life survey results are available here.