"I've joined the school PTA, got involved in Wanganui Bootcamp which is great, my son's social calendar is always full ...
"We love our new home, the stunning views we have from our balcony, and just the chilled-out way of life. I don't think I've stopped smiling.
"The people have been unbelievably friendly but a question I often get asked is, 'Why Wanganui?' My reply is simple, 'Why not?' This sparks a debate on how Wanganui for me has everything we could possibly need at the moment " new friends, the river, the beach, the mountain is an hour away.
"If you want some big-city culture or rugby then Wellington is driveable in a day."
Anna moved to Wanganui because she married a Wanganui man, Russell Herd.
They had been living in Winchester, Hampshire - about 100km south west of London - and had a son William, 8, and a dog, Floyd. Anna says she wanted to get out of the rat race and actually enjoy life.
Among the issues for them was the amount of traffic, how long it took to get anywhere and the need to plan even a trip to the beach. Weather and parking also didn't help. Anna had worked in banking for 13 years and more recently set up a communications and social media management company for clients (currently all UK based) while Russell has his own business managing feedback for companies.
Anna wrote: "My journey to Wanganui started in April 2012 when I was casually looking at New Zealand property as you do when I should have been working I hasten to add! and emailed my husband a picture of a house and the words 'I could live here'.
"Admittedly it was of a property on the Coromandel.
"Nevertheless, it depicted the New Zealand dream and a catalyst for us making the move to the other side of the world. Immediately I received a phone call from my husband Russell and that was that. The decision was made!"
With perfect timing, after two and a half years of planning, a big goodbye to family and friends and 12,000 miles they arrived in Wanganui the day the infamous Zombie Town programme aired.
But the bleak view of Wanganui has meant little to the Herd family, or at least they have an antidote.
Talk to Anna and Russell and they are fully aware of Wanganui having problems. But they know every place does. If you want empty shops, try Southampton, a large city not far from Winchester, says Russell. A mall opened up and the High St was devastated, populated by charity shops now, he says.
Russell also points out the changing nature of retail, with the onset of online shopping, can't be ignored.
For the Herds, it's time to accentuate the positive.
"Since moving here, we've had family and friends visit, and they too love it and can see the attraction," Anna wrote.
"So if you're wondering why Wanganui, just look around you ...
"It's easy to become complacent and take things for granted but there are so many reasons as to why Wanganui. I love the Visit Wanganui advert on YouTube, and I think it captures the essence of what this place is all about (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjzwKUDahmU).
"It actually makes me feel quite emotional and proud that we're now part of this community."
Russell said one of the most surprising elements, compared to Britain, has been the assistance of other business people in Wanganui. He hasn't been idle either, joining the Coastguard in Wanganui among other volunteer work.
"Setting up business here has been easy. People are very helpful and happy to introduce you to other people. There's people in Wanganui doing a lot of great things and they are happy to help others."
Anna said they have had numerous friends and family come to stay who have all appreciated why they like it in Wanganui so much.
Asked if they are likely to leave, she says not likely. And anything she would change? Maybe a more upmarket restaurant but that's about it and it's not a biggie. "If you have an opportunity to do something amazing, then you have to seize it," Anna wrote at the end of her blog.
"Don't just talk about it or think about it, you have to do it. Life is way too short. There are people out there who would long for this kind of lifestyle.
"Some people may think I'm living in a bubble, and perhaps I am, but I have to say it's a good bubble to be in, and I wouldn't change it."
-The Chronicle wants to talk to people who have moved to the Wanganui district lately. You may have moved back, or a job, family or cultural/lifestyle opportunities have drawn you here. Email news@wanganuichronicle.co.nz or call 349 0728
