Satisfaction with leisure time
Definition
The proportion of people aged 15 and over who are "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their leisure time as reported in the Quality of Life in New Zealand 's Largest Cities Survey 2004.
Relevance
Leisure time is a crucial component of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. It is a time when people can do what they want, separate from work and other commitments. New Zealanders' subjective feelings about their leisure time provide information on how people feel about both the quality and quantity of their leisure.
Current level and trends
According to the Quality of Life in New Zealand 's Largest Cities Survey 2004, four in five New Zealanders (80 percent) are satisfied overall with their leisure time. Specifically, 51 percent are "satisfied" and 29 percent are "very satisfied".
Fig L1.1 Satisfaction with leisure time, people aged 15 and over, 2004
Source: Auckland City Council et al (2005) Quality of Life in New Zealand's Largest Cities
Sex differences
There are minimal differences between the sexes in reported satisfaction with leisure time. Eighty percent of men and 79 percent of women report they are "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their leisure time.
Age differences
While the majority of New Zealanders are satisfied with their leisure time, those aged 25–49 years are less satisfied overall (74 percent). This age group tends to have larger work and family commitments than other groups, which may impinge on the time they have available for leisure. In comparison, those aged 15–24 years, and those aged 50–64 years are more likely to report being satisfied with their leisure time with total satisfaction levels of 78 percent and 83 percent respectively. Those aged 65 years and over report the highest levels of overall satisfaction with their leisure time (92 percent).
Figure L1.2 Satisfaction with leisure time, by age, 2004
Source: Auckland City Council et al (2005) Quality of Life in New Zealand's Largest Cities
Ethnic differences
Most New Zealanders, regardless of ethnicity, are satisfied overall with their leisure time. The European ethnic group reports the highest level of total satisfaction (81 percent), followed by Māori and those of the "Other" ethnic group (both 77 percent), and Pacific peoples (73 percent). The Asian/Indian ethnic group reports the lowest level of satisfaction (71 percent).
Personal income differences
Levels of satisfaction with leisure time vary slightly by the level of personal income, but not in a consistent way. In 2004, satisfaction with leisure time was highest for people with a personal income between $70,001 and $100,000 per year, with 84 percent of the people in this income range saying they were either "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with their leisure time. Two income groups had below average levels of satisfaction – they were those with a personal income of between $30,001 and $50,000 (76 percent) and over $100,001 (78 percent).
Figure L1.3 Satisfaction with leisure time, by personal income, 2004
Source: Auckland City Council et al (2005) Quality of Life in New Zealand's Largest Cities
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