In the last two years, 25,000 people have left Auckland for a life less cityish, according to recent data.
Journalists Greg Dixon and Michele Hewitson made the move five years ago, "cashing up" their Auckland property and relocating to a 12-acre block in the Wairarapa.
The couple write a shared column about "two townies making a new life in the country" for the New Zealand Listener.
Journalist Greg Dixon with one of his lambs Photo: lushplaces.co.nz
Country life is quieter, greener, cleaner and friendlier, Dixon tells Corin Dann.
"It's all the things that you think or you hope it's going to be."
When he and Michelle were both made redundant by the NZ Herald, they had no more excuses but to create a slower and more fulfilling life, he says.
They were lucky in being able to sell their Auckland house outright and make a living by working remotely.
Although there is some consternation in the Wairarapa region about people from the cities moving in and driving up property prices - which is a reality, Dixon says - he was surprised by the warm welcome they received from locals.
The couple has not been back in Auckland since they left.
"I miss Bellringer's Best Bitter at Galbraith's in Mount Eden, but other than that you can keep the place.
"If I crave a really good city flat white, I'm happy to go to Wellington. It's closer [than Auckland] and I like it.'
Related:
- Listen - Auckland's exodus for greener pastures (Lately)
- Listen - Tide of people leaving Auckland increased during pandemic (Checkpoint)
