A report on the country's overall health and well-being has put some fresh gloss on the image of Wellington which the Prime Minister recently described as dying.
The market research company Roy Morgan has released its latest state-of-the-nation report in which it surveys about 12,000 people every year.
This year's report compares Auckland to Wellington.
Roy Morgan chief executive Michele Levine, says Auckland has emerged as a younger, fast-growing and more cosmopolitan city.
In contrast, she says, Wellington comes across as more affluent and sophisticated.
Ms Levine says Wellington boasts a cheaper housing market, superior public transport and the highest average household incomes.
