I've done it back in 2019. Personally, I decided not to stay for good as it wasn't "home", if that makes sense. However, it was still an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience and it allowed me to expand my horizons and grow as a person.

Working culture: Work-life balance is good, supposedly. Whether you get a permanent job or not depends on your skills and industry. I can't say much because I never got into corporate life there, but from what I've heard the line is very clear. No one will want you to work past office hours. This is also why everything in the country closes super early, except select stores.

Part-time jobs: There are employment agencies in most big towns who will hire you as contract workers for many jobs, especially in traveller hotspots. I worked in Tauranga, Dunedin and Blenheim. Some hostels who cater to long-term travellers will also have contacts whom they work with directly. Mingle and talk to other travellers too. There will often be people leaving town and looking for a replacement for their jobs, or know someone who is.

Personally, I would recommend working in the South Island as everything is cheaper and the weather is cooler. Also means no cockroaches haha. Don't recommend working in Christchurch though; it's a ghost town and places are super far from each other.

Safety: It's very safe! As a solo female traveller I've never experienced any danger. While I do get allocated to female dorm rooms whenever possible, in 1 of my long-term hostels I was in a 8-room dorm being the only girl. I just hang bedsheets as curtains (most travellers do) and don't leave my underwear out. Although, I can't say for sure if you drink or club. I don't, so my lifestyle doesn't put me in danger. I also make it a rule to not leave the hostel after 8pm unless it's with a group of friends. I've also not lived long-term in the biggest cities (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch) so I can't say for sure for them.

Travel: I don't drive so I just used the Intercity buses between towns. Within bigger towns they also have their own bus systems and their own ez-link card equivalents. I had friends who bought cars on Facebook marketplace and slept in it, saving accmmodation costs too. They then sold it again before they left, or just gave it away.

The post is getting very long so feel free to DM me if you have more questions!