KEY POINTS:
With the world's economy in crisis, New Zealand seems to be a relatively safe place to turn for expats - including one famous face who has just signed up to make Hawke's Bay home.
Former All Blacks captain Taine Randell has bought a section at the northern end of Waimarama on land that was subdivided by the director of Matariki Wines, John O'Connor.
Having returned to Hawke's Bay after five years in London with wife, Jo, and their sons Lanson, 4, and Tori, 3, buying the beachfront section was a snap decision.
Back in Hawke's Bay for only three weeks, the Randells heard there was an auction at the beach so went for a look and ended up signing.
"We don't think we can get much better," said Randell, who played 51 tests for the All Blacks, 22 as captain.
Bayleys real estate property specialist Michael Lock, who sold the Northpoint property to the family, said they weren't alone in wanting to return to Hawke's Bay.
"There are a number of families who have taken a good look at the world right now and said Hawke's Bay is probably the best place to settle and enjoy an unparalleled lifestyle," Lock said.
The site means the Randells can make the most of the weather they returned for after Randell spent 12 years in Dunedin and five years in London, first playing for Saracens and then working in the oil markets.
"It's one of those places that rekindles the freedom of the good life in the Bay - small, friendly and right on the beach," Randell said of Waimarama.
"I have such strong memories of family life back here, especially the warm, dry summers.
"I've missed the sunshine, the fishing and the beach. Our sons deserve to have the lifestyle I was lucky enough to enjoy."
Lanson will start school this year, but which one is still "a bone of contention", Randell said, because the family doesn't yet know where they will be living until the house is built.
He said the home would be "a typical New Zealand-style bach" and he hoped to get plans under way as soon as the holiday season finished.
He's not "actively looking" for a job, but has business interests that will keep him busy.
"We'll be spending as much time out here as we can," he said.
And will he be making a return to the rugby field?
"If there's a demand for someone who is fat and unfit, I'm available," he joked.
Although O'Connor may have news for him: "Part of the contract is he has to play on my touch team."
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
