2. Porirua
Porirua may have “perception problems”, but it has a focus on children that few towns in New Zealand can match.
The local council has made children a priority for its future planning, and the area already puts substantial resources into family wellbeing and entertainment, including excellent local swimming pools, free activities, and libraries.
Porirua is close to Wellington, but its property is a fraction of the cost, providing affordable housing with access to the same top-tier tertiary education.
The Wellington region has the highest rate of university entrance standard school leavers in the country.