Uncovering New Zealand's Least Desirable Places to Reside: Where Not to Live in the Land of the Long White Cloud

As a beautiful country with a growing economy and friendly locals, New Zealand has been attracting a lot of immigrants. However, as much as there are great places to live in New Zealand, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are also certain places you should avoid if you want to live peacefully. So, where not to live in New Zealand?

First off, let’s talk about crime rates. Statistics show that the North Island has a higher crime rate than the South Island. Cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Hamilton have higher crime rates than other cities in the country. This doesn’t mean that these cities are off-limits, but it’s important to be aware of the risks before moving there.

Another aspect to consider is the cost of living. Some areas in New Zealand have a higher cost of living than others. The cost of living in cities like Auckland and Wellington is particularly high compared to other cities in the country. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to choose a cheaper place to live.

When it comes to weather, the west coast of the South Island is known for its heavy rainfall. In fact, it’s one of the wettest places in New Zealand. While this may be great for nature lovers, it’s not ideal for those who prefer sunny days.

If you’re looking for a place to start a family, schools are an important factor to consider. Some areas have better schools than others. For example, schools in suburbs like Lynfield and Mission Bay in Auckland are regarded as some of the best in the country.

While there are many great places to live in New Zealand, there are also some less desirable neighborhoods. For example, Flaxmere in Hastings has been known for gang activity and high crime rates. It’s best to avoid areas like this if you want to live safely.

Transportation is also a factor to consider when choosing a place to live. Auckland, for instance, is notorious for its traffic congestion. If you’re someone who values a short commute, you may want to avoid living in the city center.

Another thing to keep in mind is job availability. Some cities have higher unemployment rates than others. If you’re moving to New Zealand without a job offer, you’ll want to consider cities with more job opportunities.

Cultural diversity is another aspect to consider when choosing a place to live. Some areas are more multicultural than others. If you’re looking for a place with a lot of diversity, cities like Auckland and Wellington would be a good choice.

If you enjoy being close to nature, you may want to avoid living in cities altogether. New Zealand has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and there are many small towns that offer easy access to nature. Places like Raglan and Wanaka cater to those who enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.

In conclusion, when considering where to live in New Zealand, it’s important to take into account factors such as crime rates, cost of living, weather, schools, transport, job availability, cultural diversity, and proximity to nature. While there are certain places you should avoid, there are also many amazing places to live in this beautiful country. Choose wisely!

"Where Not To Live In New Zealand" ~ bbaz

Introduction

New Zealand is often celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, friendly people, and laid-back lifestyle. However, not every corner of the country is an idyllic paradise. Whether you're a Kiwi or someone thinking about moving to New Zealand, it's important to know the areas you should avoid. In this blog post, we'll take a look at where not to live in New Zealand.

Auckland's South

While Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and offers many perks, some areas in the south are considered less desirable. This includes suburbs such as Otara, Mangere, and Otahuhu. These areas tend to have high crime rates, gang problems, and socio-economic challenges. Property prices may be lower compared to other parts of Auckland, but buyers and renters should be aware of potential safety issues.

North Shore's East Coast Bays

On the North Shore of Auckland, the East Coast Bays are popular for their beaches and proximity to the city. However, some sections of this area can experience problems with congestion, noise, and pollution. Albany Highway and its surroundings are particularly busy, with ongoing construction projects contributing to traffic problems. Those who prefer a quieter lifestyle may want to consider other North Shore suburbs such as Devonport or Birkenhead.

Porirua City

Located near Wellington, Porirua City has been classified as one of New Zealand's most deprived areas. Issues such as poverty, housing insecurity, and unemployment are prevalent. This makes it a challenging place for many of its residents. Additionally, crime incidents are higher than average, affecting both property and personal safety. While Porirua does have its redeeming qualities, prospective residents should be aware of its difficulties.

Christchurch East

Christchurch, New Zealand's third-largest city, underwent major changes after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. While most of the city has recovered, the eastern suburbs still face some challenges. Some suburbs in this area such as Aranui, New Brighton, and Linwood have high levels of crime, gang activity, and social problems. These factors make it a less desirable place to live compared to other regions of Christchurch.

Waikato's Huntly

Located on the Waikato River, Huntly is a small town that has struggled with a poor reputation over the years. The town has high unemployment rates and limited job opportunities. Also, drug use and associated crimes are common in some of its neighbourhoods. Pollution from industrial sites and a nearby power station has further contributed to the town's challenges. While Huntly does have affordable housing, it may not be the best choice for those who value safety and a strong sense of community.

Conclusion

While New Zealand is mostly considered a safe and pleasant place to live, there are certain areas that should be approached with caution. Researching a location before moving there is important, and knowing what to expect can help one make informed decisions. However, it's worth noting that every area has its positives and negatives. What one person may consider undesirable may be perfectly fine for another. Ultimately, it's up to each individual or family to weigh their priorities and choose a place to live that aligns with their needs and values.

Where Not To Live In New Zealand

Introduction

New Zealand has a lot of beautiful places to live, but there are also some places you would not want to live in. This article will explore those places and give you an overview of why you should avoid them.

Auckland

Auckland may be the largest city in New Zealand, but it is not one of the nicest places to live. It has a high cost of living, frequent traffic jams, and a lot of pollution. It is also prone to earthquakes, which can be a concern for some people. Additionally, the city is quite overcrowded, making it difficult to find affordable housing.

North Shore

The North Shore is a coastal area in Auckland, famous for its beaches and waterfront properties. However, it is also one of the most expensive places to live in Auckland, and the commute can be a nightmare during peak hours.

Christchurch

Christchurch suffered a devastating earthquake in 2011, which destroyed much of the central city and surrounding suburbs. Although it has since recovered, it is still prone to earthquakes, and many buildings have still not been rebuilt. Additionally, property prices are relatively high, and there is a lack of job opportunities compared to other cities in New Zealand.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a small city in the South Island, known for its Scottish heritage and student population. Living here can be challenging due to its remote location and limited opportunities for employment. It has a low median income, and the climate is notoriously cold and wet, which makes it unattractive to many people.

Invercargill

Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and is famous for being the gateway to Stewart Island. It is not a popular place to live due to its cold, wet climate and limited job opportunities. Additionally, many people find it isolated and unattractive.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a coastal town situated in the Bay of Plenty. It may seem like an idyllic place to live, but it is not without its problems. The cost of living is high, and it can be challenging to find affordable housing. Additionally, there is traffic congestion, and the city is overcrowded due to its popularity with tourists.

Gisborne

Gisborne is a small coastal town on the east coast of the North Island. It is not a popular place to live due to its high unemployment rate and low median income. It is also prone to natural disasters such as floods and tsunamis, which can be a concern for many people.

Napier

Napier is a small town known for its art deco architecture and wine industry. Although it may seem attractive to live here, it is not without its problems. Property prices are relatively high, and the job market is limited compared to other cities in New Zealand. Additionally, it is prone to earthquakes, and the town can be quite deserted during off-peak seasons.

Comparison Table

City/Suburb	Problems	Population	Median Income	Unemployment Rate
Auckland	High cost of living, frequent traffic jams, overcrowding, pollution, prone to earthquakes	1.7 million	$68,300	4.2%
North Shore	Expensive, nightmare commute during peak hours	229,200	$71,100	3.8%
Christchurch	Proneness to earthquakes, limited job opportunities compared to other cities, high property prices	396,700	$61,500	4.1%
Dunedin	Cold, wet climate, limited opportunities for employment, low median income	130,700	$52,800	5.1%
Invercargill	Cold, wet climate, limited job opportunities, isolated and unattractive	54,100	$50,000	5.5%
Tauranga	High cost of living, traffic congestion, overcrowding, limited housing	135,000	$62,100	4.6%
Gisborne	High unemployment rate, low median income, prone to natural disasters	36,500	$46,700	8.2%
Napier	High property prices, limited job market, prone to earthquakes, deserted off-peak season	65,000	$55,800	4.3%

Conclusion

While New Zealand may be an attractive place to live, there are some places you should avoid if you want a better quality of life. Whether it is due to the high cost of living, limited employment opportunities, or natural disasters, there are many reasons why some people do not appreciate living in certain cities or suburbs of New Zealand. Before making a move, it is always advisable to research the area thoroughly to ensure that it meets your needs and preferences.

Where Not to Live in New Zealand

Introduction

New Zealand is a country of beauty, with stunning landscapes and a friendly culture that attracts people from all over the world. There's no doubt that it's a great place to live, but like any other country, there are areas that are less desirable than others. In this article, we'll explore the places where not to live in New Zealand.

Avoid Auckland's Eastern Suburbs

Auckland may be New Zealand's largest city and an economic powerhouse, but its eastern suburbs are not the best places to live in. Areas like Otara, Papatoetoe, and Howick have high crime rates and gang activity. Poverty and unemployment are also prevalent in these parts of Auckland. If you're considering moving to Auckland, consider living in the northern or western suburbs.

Stay Away from South Auckland

South Auckland covers a large area, including Manukau, Mangere, and Papakura. Unfortunately, these areas are notorious for being crime hotspots, with high rates of petty theft, drug offenses, and violent crime. Gang activity is also a real concern. It's best to avoid these parts of Auckland if you can.

The Risks of Living in Rotorua

Rotorua is a popular tourist destination known for its geothermal wonders, but it's not one of the safest places to live in New Zealand. High levels of tourism-related crime, such as theft and burglary, are reported. However, the main risk lies in the geothermal activity that makes the town so unique. The risks linked to geothermal safety should be considered when considering Rotorua as a place to live.

The Pitfalls of Living in Whanganui

Whanganui is located on the North Island and is known for its riverside and scenic splendor. Unfortunately, it also has high levels of crime, such as sexual assault, drunken street fights, and burglaries. Homelessness and sex workers reside in the town center, making it an undesirable place to live.

Lower Your Expectations in Kawerau

Kawerau is another small town on the North Island, with a history of industries such as forestry and pulp and paper. Currently, it's struggling due to a high rate of unemployment and a struggling economy. It's also known for significant problems with drugs and gang activity. Some locals consider it the most dangerous town in New Zealand.

The Downsides of Living in New Plymouth

New Plymouth is a beautiful coastal town on the western coast of the North Island but has its challenging areas. Like other places on this list, it has relatively high crime rates and a higher incidence of drug and alcohol abuse. Although there are good schools and job opportunities, it's best to exercise caution if you set your sights on this idyllic municipality.

Avoid Gisborne

Gisborne, located on the east coast of the North Island, has long been known as a place where crime is prevalent. Gang activity and drug usage are high, with the homicide rate being one of the highest in the country. It's also known for high incidents of family violence. The town has its attractions and lovely surroundings, but it is not considered worthwhile for long term residency.

The Downside of Living in Tauranga

Tauranga may be a beautiful city with lovely harbors and miles of white sandy beaches, but it's not without its problems. It has the highest rate of property crime in New Zealand and is known for gang activity. The city's drug issues have exacerbated the crime problem, leading to burglaries and street violence. Although it has its attractions, Tauranga is a less than ideal place to live.

Conclusion

New Zealand may look like a paradise to outsiders, but like any other country, it's not perfect. There are places to avoid, where crime, drugs, and unemployment are prevalent. If you are considering moving to New Zealand, it is best to carry out adequate research before selecting a place to call home.

Where Not To Live In New Zealand

Welcome to New Zealand, a country blessed with natural beauty and multicultural society. Whether you are an immigrant or a local, choosing the right place to live is essential for a peaceful and happy life. While most parts of New Zealand offer a high living standard and a friendly environment, some places may not be suitable for everyone.

In this article, we will discuss some of the areas where you should avoid living in New Zealand. These locations have lower living standards, higher crime rates, and less employment opportunities than other parts of the country.

1. Northland: If you are looking for a job or business opportunity, Northland might not be the best choice for you. The region suffers from low job growth and high unemployment rates. Apart from that, it is also prone to natural disasters like flooding, cyclones, and earthquakes.

2. Westport: Located on the west coast of the South Island, Westport might not be an ideal location for families. With a relatively high crime rate and fewer job opportunities, the town also struggles with substance abuse and social problems.

3. Murupara: Situated in the Bay of Plenty, Murupara is one of the places you should avoid living in New Zealand. The town has a high crime rate, and its residents experience high levels of poverty and unemployment. The area is also prone to gang activities and drug-related crimes.

4. Gore: Gore is a small town located in Southland. Although it has a strong agricultural industry, the town struggles to retain its youth population due to limited job opportunities and lack of entertainment activities.

5. Huntly: Located in the Waikato region, Huntly suffers from high levels of air and water pollution due to coal mining and heavy industries. In addition, the town experiences poor living conditions due to limited job opportunities and relatively high crime rates.

6. Kawerau: Another town you should avoid living in New Zealand is Kawerau. Known for its paper mill industry, the town suffers from high unemployment rates and a lack of diversification in its economy. The town also experiences issues with social deprivation and substance abuse.

7. Flaxmere: Located in the Hawke's Bay region, Flaxmere has a high crime rate and experiences social problems such as poverty, unemployment, and gang activities. The area also suffers from a lack of public facilities and infrastructure.

8. Clendon: Situated in Auckland, Clendon is a suburb with a high crime rate and low living standards. The area experiences issues with drug use, poverty, and gang-related crimes.

9. Marfell: Marfell is a suburb located in the Taranaki region. The suburb experiences high crime rates, and its residents suffer poverty and social problems. The suburb also suffers from a lack of business opportunities and public facilities.

10. Flaxmere: Located in the Hawke's Bay region, Flaxmere has a high crime rate and experiences social problems such as poverty, unemployment, and gang activities. The area also suffers from a lack of public facilities and infrastructure.

In conclusion, while New Zealand is a beautiful country with plenty of opportunities, it is important to choose the right place to live. The above-mentioned places are some of the areas where you might not want to live in New Zealand. Always do your research and talk to locals before making a decision about where to live.

Thank you for reading, and we hope this article will help you make an informed decision.

Where Not To Live In New Zealand: Common Questions Answered

What are the worst cities in New Zealand to live in?

While New Zealand is generally considered a safe and desirable place to live, there are some areas that have higher levels of crime, poverty, or other issues. Some of the places that are often seen as less desirable to live in include:

• Auckland's South and West suburbs, including Otara, Glen Innes, and Mangere
• The Hutt Valley, north of Wellington
• Porirua, north of Wellington
• Invercargill, at the southern tip of the South Island

Are there any areas of New Zealand that are particularly dangerous?

While New Zealand is not known for high levels of crime overall, there are some areas that may be more dangerous than others. For example:

1. Some suburbs of Auckland have higher rates of assaults, robberies, and car thefts than other parts of the country.
2. The town of Kaikohe in Northland has relatively high levels of crime and drug use.
3. The city of Napier has experienced gang-related violence in recent years.

What are some things to consider when deciding where to live in New Zealand?

When choosing a place to live in New Zealand, it's important to think about what matters most to you. Some factors to consider might include:

• Your budget: Some areas of New Zealand are more expensive to live in than others.
• Job opportunities: If you're moving to New Zealand for work, you may want to research which regions have the best job markets in your field.
• Lifestyle preferences: Are you looking for an urban or rural setting? Do you prefer a warmer or cooler climate?
• Proximity to services and amenities: Do you want to live near shops, schools, or healthcare facilities?

Can you find affordable housing in New Zealand?

New Zealand's housing market can be competitive, but there are some areas where you may be able to find more affordable options. Some cities and towns that are often cited as having less expensive housing include:

• Gisborne, on the east coast of the North Island
• Whanganui, on the west coast of the North Island
• Dunedin, on the southeast coast of the South Island

Additionally, if you're open to sharing housing with roommates or renting a smaller space, you may be able to save money on housing expenses.