Find myself having to disagree with some of Neewmans post.
Yes, rent and property prices in AKL are crazy. However, it does have beaches. Infact, on both sides.
Fuel price difference is simply a fuction of how the govt taxes it and the relative strength of the currency, compared to the AU$. Tried buying diesel there mate? Its a lot cheaper. Again, the tax thing.
Disagree about utility prices. Cellphones cost more to run but not double.
...theres no airforce now either...
Simply false. What you may have meant to say is there is no strike wing. The airforce still trains pilots, albeit not many in the scheme of things. I hope youre right about the pay/conditions tho'!