Biggest concerns for Aucklanders

A new survey on the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders has found that Aucklanders are more worried than the average New Zealander about the worldwide recession, being able to retire comfortably and job security.

The survey of over 2000 people nationwide by Southern Cross Healthcare Group asked respondents to tick issues they were either 'worried' about, 'in between' on, or 'not worried' about from 11 topical issues.

Rising crime rates topped the list of worries for people from Auckland, with 55% saying they were worried about this issue.  This was despite recent Police figures showing reported crime across the wider Auckland area had dropped over the last year.

The next biggest concerns for Aucklanders were insurance costs (53% of people worried) and being able to retire comfortably (52% worried). Across New Zealand, home and contents insurance premiums have risen substantially over the last year.

43% of Aucklanders were worried about the world recession (compared to 40% nationally) and 33% harboured concerns about job security - compared to 28% nationally.

As expected, Aucklanders were also much more worried about the time it takes to commute to work - with 28% citing this as a worry. The least concerned New Zealanders about commute time were those from Tauranga, with just 6% worried about this issue.

A large number of Aucklanders also harboured health-related worries. 45% of those surveyed said they were worried about their family's health, while 36% were worried about their own personal health.

Southern Cross Healthcare Group Chief Executive Officer Ian McPherson said Aucklanders' higher level of worry over financial issues, particularly their ability to retire comfortably, was a concern given future trends.

"As the population ages, and demand for healthcare rises, it's highly likely Kiwis will also need to take more personal responsibility for their elective healthcare costs. How to help New Zealanders make adequate provision for their future healthcare needs to be something that is at the top of the country's agenda."