Well, compared to Scotland, it will probably be a tropical paradise!

Culturally it is very different in some respects, but the same in others. It's quite hard to describe and is something that needs to be experienced to understand.

Cost / Standard of living? Well this has been debated many times over. Costs of living are cheaper when compared to the UK, but some people find it too much when they get here. As for standard of living, well that depends what you want from it. NZ is most certainly an 'enjoy being here' rather than 'enjoy what you can get by being here' kind of place. That suits us to a tee but to some people it's their idea of hell!

Education in generally very good, but like any country can vary from school to school. Always ask the locals what the schools are like, they will generally be very honest about them!