We asked for your feedback on your communities and neighbourhoods. More than 2,000 of you gave us feedback in 2017, here is a summary of what you told us.

2017 Results

Sense of community

Over 80 per cent of respondents agreed that it is important to feel a sense of community with people in their neighbourhood; only 60 per cent agreed that they do feel a sense of community in their neighbourhood.

Around 20 per cent disagreed that they feel a sense of community with other people in the wider Christchurch. 

The most frequent type of contact that people have with their neighbours is some positive contact, which can include a nod or saying hello. Around 60% of respondents reported having this type of contact with their neighbours twice or more a week. 

"My husband and I have lived in this neighbourhood for over 20 years and hope we never have to leave. We know almost everyone within a 5-block area, enjoy regular social gatherings with them and have an active residents' association as well. The sense of community is greater than anywhere else we have ever lived, which is why we've stayed here so long."

"Good to have the organised events from CCC which bring everyone together. Even little things such as treasure hunts or activities at Botanic Gardens each school holidays is great."

Community participation

More than 70 per cent of respondents had participated in voluntary or unpaid work in the past 12 months

The most common sector that participants volunteered or completed unpaid work for was for education, schools or research. This was followed by sports or recreation and church, religious or spiritual organisations. 

Almost 70 per cent of those who had not participated in voluntary or unpaid work in the last 12 months said that they would be more encouraged to take part if they: 

  1. Had more spare time.
  2. If there was voluntary work that interested them.

The most common group, club or organisation that respondents belong to was an online network or community. This was followed by sports and recreation clubs or groups, and volunteer organisations or groups. 

 "We need more opportunities to be involved in community activities focused on making the local community a better place - such as planting in reserves, roadsides, gardens. I'd like to see more Native bush in the city."

"I currently often work a six-day week, so not much spare time, but am considering voluntary work as an option when I retire, or semi-retire next year."

Housing

Around 40 per cent of respondents agreed that there is a range of housing in Christchurch. 

Around a third do not think that there is enough affordable and well designed housing in Christchurch. 

More than 50 per cent of respondents who live in single person households strongly disagreed that there is enough affordable houses in Christchurch. 

More than 60 per cent of respondents do not own their own homes, and disagreed that Christchurch has enough affordable housing. 

“ ’Affordable’ to me means something that most people can afford. As a purchase price this needs to be well under $300,000; as a rent, less than $1,000/month. Even modern houses have pretty minimal insulation by international standards, and moisture control seems inadequate in just about every house.”

“I believe there needs to be more higher density housing located close to major shopping areas, public transport hubs, and the central city.”

Facilities and services

Almost half of respondents were satisfied with the number of recreation, shopping and socialising opportunities in their neighbourhood. The most frequently visited neighbourhood facility was neighbourhood parks and playgrounds, with 10 per cent of respondents visiting them more than 5 times a week.

More than 70 per cent of respondents believe that neighbourhood parks are important in creating positive connections and interactions in their neighbourhoods. This was followed by libraries, and cafes and bars. 

Around a third of respondents reported that their communities and neighbourhoods needed more community events to create more positive connections and interactions. This was followed by community gardens and swimming pools. 

 "Spaces where the community feel a sense of ownership are important. I would love to be part of an after-school organisation as a volunteer where children could come to do homework and hang out with one another if they wanted to, especially for teens. The Addington spaces are not usually very attractive and Addington seems to be changing so that it is more business focused rather than community focused."

"This area is a low to middle income area and I think more free events would be awesome. Also more community vegetable gardens where children are encouraged by schools or after school groups to be involved in could really help families in this area have healthier lifestyles."

Discrimination

Around 20 per cent of respondents reported that they had been discriminated against in the past 12 months. 

Of those who were discriminated against, 50 per cent reported that it was because of their gender; around 40 per cent reported that it was due to their age. 

Respondents who had experienced discrimination most commonly experienced it on the street or in a public space, at work, or in a shop or restaurant. 

Almost 90 per cent of respondents feel that that can be themselves in their neighbourhood. 

“I sometimes face sexism due to being a young female. I am also often treated differently because I have an accent and thus people assume I am a traveller or recent immigrant when in reality I have been in NZ most of my life.”

“My family set up is not traditional - I work and my husband stays home. Its amazing how many people have a problem with that or actually just make assumptions and treat you differently.”

Safety

Respondents feel the safest when walking in the neighbourhood during the day. Around a quarter of respondents do not feel safe when walking alone in their neighbourhood after dark. 

The neighbourhood problem that most commonly reported by participants was noise, 45 per cent of respondents said it is an issue. This was followed by:

  • Dangerous driving (28 per cent).
  • Boy racers (28 per cent).
  • Burglary/break-ins (27 per cent).

Road noise was the most common noise issue identified, followed by noise from neighbours and construction noise. 

"There is obviously increased risk at night but not to the point that I feel unsafe. That said, I would not want my partner walking alone at night."

"I live near Bealey which often has noisy boy racers on Friday and Saturday nights. Some people drink too much and I can hear them yelling and singing when leaving the bars on Victoria Street."