We spent a week or so on the Kapiti Coast in December last year. Paraparaumu has a reputation as a bit of a retirement resort. It had a nice 'feel' though and reminded me a bit of Le Touquet in Northern France - nice wide streets, big wide beach, sunshine, lots of older people in sandals and shorts.....
There were loads of attractive houses for sale, but there didn't seem to be too many local opportunities for work. Then again, it's not too far from Wellington so you could commute.
Bear in mind that the main Kapiti Coast highway (SH1) is well known for its accident blackspots and isn't a road I'd want to drive everyday. I think I read in the paper that Toll (the road agency) are working to improve the main junctions and extend the dual carriageway sections, so it might get better.......