KEY POINTS:
Veterinarian Fiona Mitchell is just one of many homebuyers attracted to Gisborne's sunny shores.
She and her partner, shepherd Allen Irwin, moved to the city from rural Hunterville, which is 50km north of Palmerston North, last year, attracted by job prospects.
They already had accommodation through Mitchell's job, so decided to purchase a three-bedroom home for $265,000, as an investment.
They have tenants who are moving in this week.
"It was just a case of knowing that we wanted to buy a house, and this gave us the push to get off our bums," said Mitchell. "We got a good deal."
She said they hoped to have the property paid off in five or six years, and eventually buy their own farm.
Asked what she liked about Gisborne, Mitchell listed the climate and the beaches.
And the earthquakes?
"I'm from Wellington," she laughed. "That doesn't worry me."
