This paper examines trends in Auckland over a five year period (1982-87) in the major cardiovascular risk factors: serum total cholesterol, blood pressure and cigarette smoking; trends in body mass index are also presented. The data came from two independent random samples of European people aged 40-64 years chosen from the central Auckland electoral rolls in 1982 (915 men and 476 women) and 1986-88 (503 men and 359 women); response rates were over 80% in both surveys. In the five year period self reported smoking declined by 22% in men and 10% in women; the decline was particularly marked in upper socioeconomic men and women aged 55-64 years. There were no consistent changes in either blood pressure or body mass index levels. Serum cholesterol levels, after adjustment for the change in laboratory methods, declined by approximately 1% in both men and women. Cardiovascular risk factor levels remain high in Auckland; comprehensive population based prevention programmes, such as Heartbeat (New Zealand), are urgently required in New Zealand.