More seriously, the idea of what makes a city most liveable is interesting to think about.
In an unusual period where a virus has dictated terms to us, the basics of survival, health, and treatment have been most important. In a place where viral levels are high and caution is required daily, being able to live "normally", without restrictions and fear of infection, would be desirable.
Stability, healthcare, and infrastructure were among the factors assessed in ranking cities.
In a place with no current recorded community transmission, like New Zealand, that's all taken for granted and other problems are pushed to the surface. While the coronavirus and its impact on the economy dominated 2020, this year a range of issues are drawing attention. They include Auckland's structural transport; and housing prices, rents, and shortages.
When the threat level isn't existential, people still find other concerns to worry about - bills, rent, rates, job security and pay, family pressures, non-Covid health, traffic gridlock. It may be life as normal but that includes the normal frustrations. Not being able to travel normally and see family and friends outside Australia has been an added stress.
What has really been advantageous to living here while people elsewhere were less fortunate has been the enjoyable extras: relaxing, eating out and socialising; getting to the nearby countryside, beaches, exhibitions, concerts, and sports events.
The drawbacks of Auckland are undeniable, can be tiresome, and have to be worked around. Yet living with the water and greenery close by helps to accentuate the positives of being here.
The pandemic has underlined the value of small, simple, shared experiences that then become good memories.
Lorde's sunny new single has landed in our winter, but we've just been through months of solar power and sand under our feet.
Auckland's reign as top cat will most likely be fleeting. But when you leave New York, London and Tokyo in your wake, the only response should be: "We'll take it".
What's more, the Economist verdict got swift affirmation at the weekend with the Blues making a rugby final for the first time since 2003.
The omens could be good for the home team next weekend. In 2003 a Blues team featuring Carlos Spencer, Joe Rokocoko and Doug Howlett hosted the Crusaders at Eden Park and won their third title by 21-17.
That was the year of the invasion of Iraq, the Columbia space shuttle disaster and the last Concorde flight. Back then Return of the King was wrapping up the Lord of the Rings series, Scribe was top of the charts here and Nokia phones were the top-selling mobiles.
The Blues will hope to celebrate breaking their 18-year drought next weekend against the Highlanders, the Super Rugby transtasman final in the "most liveable city in the world".
