Satisfaction with leisure time
Definition
The proportion of people aged 15 years 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 to, separate from work and other commitments.
Current level
According to the Quality of Life in New Zealand's Largest Cities Survey 2004, four in five New Zealanders (80 percent) were satisfied overall with their leisure time. Of these, 51 percent were "satisfied" and 29 percent were "very satisfied".
Fig L1.1 Satisfaction with leisure time, people aged 15 years and over, 2004
Source: Auckland City Council et al (2005) Quality of Life in New Zealand's Largest Cities Survey 2004
Age differences
While the majority of New Zealanders were satisfied with their leisure time, those aged 25–49 years were 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 available for leisure. In comparison, those aged 15–24 years and those aged 50–64 years were more likely to report being satisfied with their leisure time, with total satisfaction levels of 78 percent and 83 percent respectively. People aged 65 years and over reported 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 Survey 2004
Sex differences
There was only a small difference between the sexes in reported satisfaction with leisure time. Eighty percent of men and 79 percent of women reported they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their leisure time.
Ethnic differences
Most New Zealanders, regardless of their ethnicity, were satisfied with their leisure time. The European ethnic group reported the highest level of total satisfaction (81 percent), followed by Māori and those of Other (excluding Asian) ethnicities (both 77 percent), and Pacific peoples (73 percent). The Asian ethnic group reported the lowest level of satisfaction (71 percent).
Socio-economic differences
People’s levels of satisfaction with their leisure time varied slightly by the levels of their 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 – those with a personal income of between $30,001 and $50,000 (76 percent), and those with an income over $100,000 (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 Survey 2004
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