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
