Strengths: The smell! The earthy smell.
Weaknesses: Homelessness. I was on the street for three weeks. I lived rough when I came here.
MARK ANDREW, 61
Koutu
Strengths: It's a much better lifestyle here than living in a big city.
Weaknesses: Folk are struggling to pay the rent and buy enough food.
HELEN BUTT (right), 75
Pukehangi
Strengths: I like that it's central. You're only an hour to Tauranga, two-and-a-half hours to Auckland and the people are quite friendly.
Weaknesses: Kids are going to school with no shoes on their feet. No raincoats.
CHRISTINE LESLIE (left), 61
Glenholme
Strengths: It's warmer than the south, and there's lakes and beautiful tracks around the lakes.
Weaknesses: The smell.
STACEY SCOTT, 26
CBD