I have to say I am astounded by Mazzie's post. We moved here nearly six years ago and I only wish we'd done it 15 years ago! NZ is a wonderful country, and while we have our gripes, we couldn't be happier here. We feel privileged to live in NZ. People are much friendlier, the costs of living is lower, children are allowed to be children. I have never felt threatened while walking in Auckland city centre at night. There is certainly less crime than in the UK. As for housing, I would hardly call the average Kiwi house a shed! No they don't have much insulation and they are often made of wood but the climate in Auckland at least is very mild. It's the equivalent of December here and I was wearing t-shirt and shorts as I walked the dog on the beach. It's rare to have grey miserable days and when it is grey it soon clears. There is so much to be appreciative of here it's difficult to know where to start. But that's the thing with people, we all have our own perspective and see things in our own unique way. All I would say is don't let Mazzie's experience put you off moving to NZ, maintain a positive attitude, smile and be thankful you have the opportunity to start a new life in one of the most beautiful countries on earth.