In your honest opinion though, is this something that is limited to certain areas, ie Auckland, or is it widespread throughout NZ? I've noticed that the only people who seem to experience difficulties with high crime and things like maori gangs are living in or around Auckland or Northland.

Is this right or is it a problem all over? I appreciate Auckland is the largest city in NZ, so it stands to reason that the more people, the more crime, but what about places like Wellington or Christchurch? Both are fairly large cities, do they have these/similar problems?