Some of our reasons for choosing NZ are as follows:
We have family living there (which gave us the idea in the first place).
Low population, which we find attractive after living in countries with burgeoning populations, which makes for very crowded shops and roads and the knock-on effect is that people get angry and frustrated. We're looking forward to having more space to ourselves and a less hectic lifestyle where everyone is rushing around going nowhere.
It's 'foreign' without being too different.
They speak the same language (well.....most of the time
).
Generally the kiwis are a friendly and helpful bunch who are willing to interact with us - a refreshing change from snooty, arrogant Arabs (mainly the women, especially those in public service) who wish we'd just go away and leave them to concentrate on loftier things like doing their makeup and filing their nails. You don't know the meaning of 'unhelpful' until you're forced to deal with them. I would also mention that some of the Brits here are very cliquey and don't put themselves out to be friendly. Many a time I've smiled at someone and been met with a frosty look (if I got any look at all, that is). I thoroughly enjoyed being hailed by kiwis I'd never seen before - a friendly wave and an enquiry after my well-being was appreciated and often lead to a bit of welcome conversation.
We've heard about the scenery and improved weather, but still have to experience those for ourselves. Something we're really looking forward to.
The feeling of 'being home' that we've felt on the two occasions we've visited NZ. We blended into NZ like slipping into a pair of comfy slippers. We've had the feeling, like a lot of others, after staying in some dreamy holiday resort, that we'd love to live there but, at the back of our minds, we know the feeling would pall and we'd want to move on. 'Glamorous' is great for a while but the novelty wears off when reality takes over. I think NZ is more down-to-earth and we felt that it was workable and normal and we could easily settle there.
I'm sure there are other things I've overlooked but I'll post them later if they come to mind.
The one thing I'm not happy with is the growing drink/drugs problem. That does make me very sad and worried as it's so negative and destructive and other innocent people bear the brunt of the consequences.