This study sought to address the research question: "what constitutes connectedness for Auckland's inner city residents?" Four key objectives were identified to guide the investigation and provide substance to the findings that would be useful to Parnell Trust and other agencies that commissioned this study.The research explored the experiences and consequences of social connectedness for Auckland's inner city residents as identified, understood and expressed by research participants. The study used two methodological approaches: namely, appreciative enquiry and phenomenology, focusing on 'what works' and what opportunities could be identified to enhance social connectedness in Auckland's inner city. The methods employed included a review of literature, a survey of 414 inner city residents, 30 individual interviews and four focus group discussions.