Mr Hughes says he is not a car person and does not need one when he can use the frequent bus service to the CBD from near his home.
Raised in the eastern suburbs - a $50 cab fare away from the CBD - he says the move closer to the action is worth the rent.
"I'm super happy living in Grey Lynn. I walk to Ponsonby Rd to the coffee shops and we have a really good butcher and fruit shop."
Night clubs that meet his expectations are harder to find.
"I go there for the atmosphere. I think clubs need to improve in the quality of the music and value of the drinks. For young people, drink prices can get horrific - like $50 for a round of shots (four to five drinks) and a beer costs $9 or $10. There is a need for places to start up and cater for youth more. Of course all the young people go to night clubs but it's not really entertainment for youth."
Wider, open, unbuilt spaces are his preference, if the weather is kind.
"I go out to the beach at Piha, I grab an icecream, lie down, chill out, play some soccer. It's detached from the central city but not too far. I like Piha for its natural beauty, I take it all in and don't do anything."
His night job has boosted his knowledge of quality food and service. "I'm a real foodie. I try out places that are new and have a reputation but I like keeping local - going back to places I know, the people and the waiters."
What does he think is the best thing about Auckland? "It's for exploring: You can go into the city for night life, or the eastern bays beaches for relaxing, or up north to Warkworth and get fresh produce, or head down south to a market."
Savanna Steele says being young and living in Helensville, 40km northwest of Auckland City, means having to be "a go-getter" and make your own fun.
Savanna Steele says a lack of free activities affects youth under 16 who can't get a job. Photo / Chris Gorman
The 24-year-old youth leader and Auckland University of Technology hospitality and event management student says a key thing for youth in rural Rodney is missing out on Auckland Council events such as Movies in the Park.
"Without good public transport you really need a car for travel into Auckland for work, study or play.
"I like driving there, though sometimes it is two to three times a week."
Ms Steele says a lack of free activities affects youth under 16 who can't get a job.
She is part of a move to try to create more free physical activities for youth in their local areas.
"We have found if the young want to hold a sports tournament, they talk to their community to get support to do it. In Helensville, sport is their thing.
"Young people are into kick-boxing and we have a skatepark, play touch, rugby, netball and race waka ama - outrigger canoes. All this sport is creating an environment to give kids focus, discipline and drive."
An alternative to sports is offered by a Kaipara College programme to foster music and bands, along with the Band Factory sessions in school holidays. "They are showed how to play and perform in a band - the talent of the musos has exploded and it shows in the number of entries in the Smokefree Rockquest," Ms Steele says.
However, for her, the sweetest sounds are made by her 2-year-old son, Carter.
"This is a great place to bring up kids. For me, out here in the South Kaipara there are five marae and the social life is great. You know everyone and feel safe."
What does she think is best about Auckland? "It's the cultural diversity. We are in a social environment created by the friendliness of the everyday Aucklander."
Read the first story in this series here.
Tomorrow: Retired life
