While many people are leaving Rotorua for Australia, Rotorua's Rob Le Comte would choose Rotorua any day.
Like others, he went looking for work in Australia and, though he found it, he still lives in Rotorua. His family - including partner Jodi Hepburn and their children - and his friends are here and he enjoys the lifestyle.
Mr Le Comte first moved to Australia in 1998. He has lived in the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and Perth but said "none of them compare to home". He works in the mines in Perth on a four weeks on and one week off roster. When he's not working, he flies back to Rotorua.
He said Ms Hepburn, who was due to have their baby, offered to move to Australia but because he wasn't home every night he felt it was better she remained surrounded by friends and family. He also preferred Rotorua to Australia when it came to raising children.
He worked there because he could earn better money but by living here he supported the local economy.