Proud Kiwis love their country

Most New Zealanders are proud to be Kiwi and want to live in New Zealand for the rest of their lives, according to the results of a new survey.

The 2005 New Zealand values survey, conducted by Massey University's centre for social and health outcomes, research and evaluation, and Whariki research centres, is part of a world values survey which aims to provide cross-country comparisons.

Of almost 2500 people over 18 asked in a random telephone survey, nearly 70 per cent said they were very proud and one-quarter said they were quite proud to be a New Zealander.

When asked to pick a number from one to five - one being very committed to spending most of the rest of their lives in New Zealand and five not very committed - 78 per cent chose one or two, 11 per cent chose four or five and the remainder were neutral.

Those aged between 18 and 24 were less likely to be committed to living in New Zealand (66 per cent), than tertiary educated people (75 per cent) and those with primary education (80 per cent).

A good public health system topped a list of eight factors in their decision with 96 per cent considering it was important. A high quality natural environment was second, considered important by 94 per cent, and work/life balance and education for children were factors for 93 per cent.

A low crime rate was a factor for 92 per cent of those committed to staying, 82 per cent said high employment was important, while low poverty and possible earnings were a factor for 79 and 77 per cent of respondents respectively.

"Those very committed to spending the rest of their lives here are significantly more likely to value a high quality natural environment, a good work/life balance and New Zealand's artistic and cultural heritage," researchers found.

"The only issue differentiating committed and less committed tertiary educated people was a high quality natural environment - committed graduates were more likely to value this factor."

- NZPA