WE ARE LOOKING AT EMMERGRATING TO OZ BUT I AM GETTING PUT OFF BY THE STORIES ABOUT CRIME & DRUGS.WHAT IS THIS LIKE IN NZ. ARE YOU SAFE TO WALK THE STREETS ARE KIDS SAFE
TO PLAY OUTSIDE PLEASE WOULD SOME LET ME KNOW .MANY THANKS.

As things stand, on the average, you are probably more safe from crime living in NZ than anywhere else in the 'market-driven' world.

would still like some more feed back on this subject to know just how safe we would be if we emmergrated (melbourne,mooribin area).and NZ.

Crime is relative, it depends what you are used to, so it would help knowing where you are from.

I've lived in NZ for 7 years Auckand and found it a pretty safe place to be. I wouldn't spend much time in South Auckland as that is one of the worst areas for crime. Also as a rule police don't carry guns, that has to say something about the general level of security.

I'm now living in Brisbane and again I don't have any safety issues, althouth I do consider it more dangerous than Auckland, but not significently so.

Both countries provide outstanding facilities for children as regards playgrounds and sports facilities, far surpassing what was available to kids in the UK when I was their.

I won't comment on schools or Kindy as I've no experience and so cannot give a valid judgement.

If you are from South Africa, anywhere even South Auckland would be a significent improvement, but like I said it's all relative.

As another voice with NZ experience (incl Auckland, NZ's biggest and liveliest city) I would endorse all of Kiwipaul's comments.

You will be about as safe in NZ as anywhere today. You cannot realistically ask for more than that.

Slippers