Firstly a big thanks for all the responses (thought it would have created a nil-point response!)
I posted it given the circumstances following Sept 11th. I moved here (Rotorua, NZ - Roto-vegas as Lapsus linguae points out!) in April last year giving up a £30K job for NZ$52K - about a 50% cut, even worse since Sept 11th! A survey stated that NZ was the 'safest' place to live (in the publics eyes) - and I was interested to see if anyone was thinking of relocating.
Flufdriver made a good point I hadn't thought of - HAVING to move because you no longer have a job.
NorthernSky - can't comment on how the rosters are here (in terms of demand) but an Air NZ regional captain I know finds his job totally monotonous as he does Taupo - Auckland - Kataia - Auckland - Taupo 5 days a week, so he is buying a float plane, getting a rating and venturing into tourism!
Fireflybob - good on ya, cause at least you are happy - I am familiar with the works of Handy
under_exposed - I also gave up the commute for a 10 minute, two sets of traffic lights run, where stress is 5 cars at the State Highway roundabout. Lifestyle here is important, I have a house on the lake, with a 1/4 acre garden (which my kids describe as bigger than there old school playing fields). Like you I am not in the industry, but have aspirations (but age is more than against me). At least here the PPL is affordable (getting there slowly)
Shanwick - if I find that job I'll let you know!!
Cheers from down here, have a great new year guys!!