Over 80% of Kiwis are satisfied with their lives and even more have a high sense of purpose according to a survey released today.

The 2014 New Zealand General Social Survey (NZGSS), which surveyed 9000 people, showed just over 8 in 10 New Zealanders, 82.6%, rated their overall life satisfaction at 7 or above.

Slightly more New Zealanders, 9 in 10 or 87.1%, rated their sense of purpose highly.

There was a slight drop in life satisfaction from the previous survey in 2012, when an estimated 87% of people were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their lives overall.

The way the survey was measured changed in 2014 and interviewees were asked to rate their satisfaction level on a scale of 0-10. In previous surveys, those interviewed had to choose one of five options that best described their level of satisfaction.

The survey identified health, money, relationships and housing as the four factors most closely associated with overall wellbeing.

Important stages in life, such as raising children, buying a home, entering and leaving the workforce, and the experience of ageing all influence life satisfaction.

Phillip Walker of Statistics New Zealand said most New Zealanders were happy with their lives.

"It's a complex picture, but without a doubt most New Zealanders say they are doing pretty well, have enough money, have good health, and see family and friends," he said.

"There is a real variation out there but overall we can say that older people are more likely to be satisfied with their lives and to rate their sense of purpose highly. Maybe that is because they tend to be more financially secure, or have managed to achieve a good balance between work and play."

The survey found younger age groups tended to be less satisfied and were less likely to rate their sense of purpose highly.

The biennial survey is used to measure the well-being of New Zealanders and provide a view of how well-being varies across different groups in the population.