[Daisyspop]

Because by far the greater portion of the population of NZ is around Auckland this is where the jobs are. It is also, in my opinion, the place for entertainment and nightlife such as is found in most major cities of the world. Although we live in the area we do not live in the city environs - no way. We go in for what we want/need and then retreat to our semi rural life whre we know a lot of people that we meet on the street and are known by them.
We also find that unlike many other expats, we don't want to experience the kinds of temperatures we endured for so long in the UK. The South Island is beautiful, but out of the frame for us - too cold - too remote - too few jobs - in short too few choices.
The weather here at the North is just right for us, never ever too cold and only occasionally too hot.
Having said all this it's horses for courses and one man's meat and all that!