NZ emigration expos are run in SA (i think by opportunities nz) - they are a great place to talk to employers, NZ immigration, housing providers, removals, etc etc etc!
expos also take place in NZ for recently-arrived migrants, the one i've heard of is
Migrant Expo Provide Access to Job Fairs, Immigration & Settlement for Migrants
look at the NZ immigration dept. website for skills shortages - can you do any of those jobs? if so, use google.co.nz to find out who the employers are
NZ immigration website has a downloadable pdf with prices for all visa types - will tell you how to apply and what documents to provide.
smaller towns have lower cost of living than cities, same as everywhere :-)
Cost of living in New Zealand has a really useful cost of living calculator, suggesting amounts for basic living
that site also provides cost of housing and tons of useful info