About Nelson: I don't know about the job situation, but the area is very nice. I suspect the 50k population is just for Nelson; there are several towns/cities nearby, and the poulation is big enough to support a motorway for at least a few miles! Not exactly on my priority list, but there it is.

The downtown area seemed vibrant. Lots of lovely seafood to be had in the area. And Abel Tasman NP is nearby.

It's one area we're considering, depending on the jobs.