I lived in Auckland for 5 years. Very interesting its on there.
It really depends on what the criteria was for this study. I made my best friends to this day in Auckland, and I really enjoyed living there. However, as far as the standard of living, it would rate very low, its just a big city with crime and really crap weather and generally nothing special.
Perth is an outstanding city. I am genuinly suprised that Gold Coast, Australia isn't on there, from everywhere I travelled I have never encountered a place like it.