We moved here 2 1/2 yrs ago and loving it so far. Moved here with a 4 and a 6 yr old(and a 9 yr old lab),and a 20ft container full of stuff..now we have a 7 and 9 yr old, a 12 yr old lab and have rented, bought and just sold a house, and renting whilst we build on property we just bought.
We both work in Hamilton, and have settled from the start in Cambridge, a friendly town of about 16,000, small enough to know lots of people but not too small. My husband has had a couple of promotions so money is better, and generally he enjoys his job. I have quit fulltime 2 yrs ago(after horrible rostered shifts) and work casual at the local hospital, and doing some home health stuff with ACC. NO more holidays, weekends or nights! I am able to work around school and hubby's schedule. I am much happier and can get to take kids to sports etc.
We have been lucky enough to have a fairly wide, and very varied(nationality wise) group of friends, and gradually feeling part of the larger community, kids too.
The best things for us have been the change in the kids, more confident, outdoorsy and active and enjoying school. People are very friendly and helpful, and the pace of life is definitely fairly slow and laid back. The best thing has been being able to purchase a couple of acres and we are starting the build process slightly out of town. The main reason for this is that I would like some animals, and it is the only way to get a warm, double glazed, fully insulated house! I also need a bigger section away from neighbors!!!
The negatives are a lack of variety of shopping and clothes etc, and good quality tools etc for the garden etc. Sometimes if I am in a hurry things take a long time to happen, but that is more my issue then NZ. Also the garden sheds aka houses..cooold.
We have experienced the health care system, and generally pretty good, though some waiting lists to get anything done, but it is free so not complaining.
Lots of outdoor activities for families and kids nearby where we live, amazing beaches within 1 1/4 hrs.
So here I sit, amongst boxes, as we just moved into our rental whilst we build. I am watching the sun coming up over the hills(we got a rental in the country) and listening to the Tui's and cows, listening to my kids happily playing (for now!) and realize life is pretty good.
Thanks if you have still read down this far! Oh, and we managed to sell our house in 3 weeks with Homesell, so if you want to save about $20K in realtor fees!!!! Just saying!