Communities and neighbourhoods survey results

Neighbourhood

While 81% (n=2313) of people think it is important to feel a sense of community with their neighbours, only 59% (n=1682) actually feel a sense of community with their neighbours.

The majority of respondents say they understand the issues facing their neighbourhood both now (67%, n=2097) and in the future (59%, n=1840).

What you told us:

• "We are extraordinarily fortunate to have most of the connectors in our neighbourhood, pub, church, school, pool, community centre and a beach where we all meet up at in summer. we also have a fabulous access to nature through walking tracks."
• "I think we are most cohesive in times of emergency. At other times we wish to live independently from our neighbours and maintain space and quietness. However, we know the roots and connections are there."
• "People generally just keep to themselves. We only know some of our immediate neighbours."

Wellbeing

In 2020 questions about people's wellbeing were added to the survey in response to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Overall, people's wellbeing remains good despite COVID-19.

88% (n=2138) report that their overall quality of life has either been good or extremely good in the last 12 months.

• 54% (n=1304) said their quality of life has stayed about the same compared to 12 months prior.
• 36% (n=883) think their quality of life will be slightly better or much better in 12 months' time.
• 20% (n=482) have felt stressed most of the time or always over the last 12 months.

What you told us:

• "Lockdown was restorative, but worrying! It increased my existing desire to live life more simply and with less materialism. But with more food and wine, hence the health impacts!"
• "Retired and have more time to do what I value."
• "The downstream effects of COVID-19 and the impact this is having on people."

Community

47% (n=1343) say they attend community events in their local neighbourhood where they can.

The top groups or organisations that respondents belong to are:

• online social networks (62%, n=1657)
• professional / work networks (38%, n=1027)
• sports clubs (24%, n=637)

Discrimination is still an issue in the community. 23% (n=553) have been discriminated against in the last 12 months, an increase from 15% in 2019. The main reasons people thought they were discriminated against are:

• age
• gender
• race or ethnic group

What you told us:

• "To me formal events aren't really that important in building community. It's more the informal neighbourhood connections that get built up organically."
• "Christchurch has always been a racist city, for my family and friends we know its just a part of our lives that we have to put up with."
• "Would be great to be able to organise events with less difficulty e.g. using parks, closing roads etc."

Governance

36% (n=861) were satisfied or very satisfied with the opportunity to have a say in what Council does.

The most common places people get their information about the Council from are:

• coverage in The Press or community newspapers (56%, n=1329)
• news websites (e.g. Stuff) (51%, n=1037)
• Christchurch City Council website (44%, n=1037)

The main barriers preventing people from engaging with the Council are:

• not enough time (40%, n=838)
• the Council has already predetermined the outcomes before consultation (37%, n=772)
• Council decision making is not open and transparent (27%, n=569)

What you told us:

• "It's easy enough to participate, but I do not believe it has any effect whatsoever. Council and staff just do whatever they have planned ignoring any input."
• "Unless you have a vested interest in a particular issue the first you hear of any decision making process is after it has been made. The average person has enough to worry about other than getting involved with every issue that arises."
• "Everything should be able to be done online and in an easy and intuitive way."