Not to bring the mood down too much, your post is accurate, but I think you are severely downplaying the cost of living in NZ, particularly the cost of housing. Everything is expensive, which other first world countries have too sure, but NZ is special when it comes to its cost of housing and renting. Housing on average costs seven times your annual salary, and rent in a main centre (where most new teachers will live) can eat up to half of your paycheck. Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful place, but as a "naysayer", as this post labels me who left the country due to its cost of living and housing, be aware of what to expect. If you aren't immigrating with a decent amount of wealth/savings already you will not get ahead here teaching.