A year ago Hamilton businessman Aaron Ogilvie made plans to shift his family to live and work in Rotorua.
They had holidayed in the area for the past 20 years and enjoyed the amenities, lakes and relaxed way of life.
"It has been our favourite place," he said.
"Whenever we holidayed here it was like going to another country, the lakes, the fun, the hotels - it has always been a highly enjoyable experience to stay here."
But the decision to move permanently rested entirely on finding work for himself in the city, he said.
No work, no move. The Rotorua Daily Post featured a story on the Ogilvie family in March last year but 12 months later they remain in Hamilton.
Mr Ogilvie's 12-month contract as a territorial manager with Mercury Energy expires this month.
With no job opportunities arising in Rotorua, his plans to relocate have been delayed.
Mr Ogilvie, who has an applied business management degree and has experience in mediation and advocacy, has had no interviews for work despite registering with a recruitment agency.
He was at a loss why his skills, experience and past results hadn't been utilised by a Rotorua employer, he said.
"Maybe after 12 months I've come to realise my skills may not be suitable?
"Am I over qualified? Am I too old at 51?"
Mr Ogilvie said living in Hamilton while trying to find work in Rotorua may be acting as a barrier.
"Maybe the message coming to me is 'we can't help you because you live in one city but want to work in another'. Perhaps you have to come and live in Rotorua first to get work."
After 12 months of no response from prospective employers he now believed his best option is to market himself.
"I have an extensive contact network which I should have utilised myself instead of relying on others to do it for me."