PETER Retemeyer has traded in the hustle and bustle of inner-city Auckland for the peaceful wide avenues of Masterton. It was a lifestyle choice based on good economics and a good job opportunity, says the revenue manager for the Masterton District Council.
"Some people chase the money and others chasethe lifestyle and it was the Wairarapa lifestyle that attracted me here," said Mr Retemeyer, who moved to Masterton three years ago.
"The wages and property gains aren't necessarily as good as in the main cities, but you don't have the hassles of city living. You don't have to plan your travelling routes or travelling times, you don't have to plan socialising with friends and you don't have the stresses of a daily city commute complete with congested traffic or unreliable public transport. It's an easier lifestyle and I like how friendly and super hospitable everyone is."
Even though Peter has only enjoyed the Wairarapa lifestyle for three years, he is no stranger to living in smaller towns. He grew up in Huntly in the Waikato district and was introduced to a career in the financial sector thanks to his first job with the Huntly Borough Council. Since then he has worked and lived in Hamilton, Queenstown, Taumarunui and Taupo, and in 2003 moved to Auckland for an administrative role with Auckland University. After seven years there he moved to Westpac bank, before being inspired to apply for the role with Masterton District Council.
Since settling in town, Peter has begun to explore the region's hidden gems and made the most of Masterton's close proximity to Wellington and Palmerston North, grabbing a city fix when needed. He has also been welcomed into the community and enjoys socialising with new friends, including those he has made at the Red Star Squash Club.
"One thing I love is playing squash here. The club is great and after a game we'll sit around, have a chat and enjoy a quiet drink then it only takes a few minutes to get home. I remember playing squash in Auckland and as soon as the game was finished, everyone had packed up and was back in their car competing with the traffic to make it home."
Peter has also climbed on to the property ladder - buying a three-bedroom home close to town. It's a far cry from what his dollar could have afforded him in Auckland.
"Here the choice is far greater and I've ended up buying a lovely home close to town. It's great ..."
