WYNYARD QUARTER: One of the areas that has seen extensive redevelopment in recent times.
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Auckland can thank its new entertainment precincts and public transport initiatives for helping it make the top 10 world's most liveable cities for the first time.
London-based Monocle Magazine placed the city as the 9th most liveable, four spots ahead of last year in its urban quality of life ranking.
Zurich was found to be the most liveable with Melbourne 6th and Sydney 8th.
"Our consistent gains across a number of international quality of life surveys are a strong indication that Auckland is fast becoming the one to watch," Mayor Len Brown said.
The magazine also included Brown in a list of 10 smart local government leaders.
It said Brown has made the formerly fractured city buzz in the 18 months since his election.
The magazine identified new entertainment precincts and public transport initiatives completed ahead of the Rugby World Cup, and the region's new political structure as the reason for the city's success.
It also applauded the passing of the first Auckland Plan, the blueprint for the next 30 years of the region's development, with its emphasis on a more efficient and exciting Auckland, with a better connection to the waterfront and better urban design.
Auckland's multicultural population, tolerance for diversity and its business-friendly environment also got the nod.
The magazine said it waits with baited breath for what the next year brings as Auckland faces the challenge of finding alternate funding sources for important transport infrastructure, including the City Rail Link.
Monocle publishes ten times a year with a mission to focus on global affairs, business, culture, design and to "keep an eye on the world."
- © Fairfax NZ News
