Kia Ora,
I'm from the UK and have just seen your message on the Boards about Wairoa. I'm actually in the process of moving from the UK to
NZ and intend to settle in Hawkes Bay but in the process of choosing an area of
NZ, I did some research on Wairoa, as it seemed to be a nice area to me. The main problem I saw was the shortage of jobs in the area, which has also been stated on another message left for you on here. You're so right, there are some lovely houses around Wairoa for sale and some equally nice houses for rent as well, so the choice is vast and the prices cheap. "Trademe" has a really good selection of properties for both rent and to purchase but when I researched the job market, there was to little for me, so I have opted to settle in the Hastings area.
One point to note, is that the Mongrel-Mob began life in Hawkes Bay and have a 'chapter' in Wairoa. Although they are all well known there and are also banned from the town, they can tend to case a few problems there at times, so it's a 'tip' well worth knowing before you choose any property there. And, if you consider that I have heard all this all the way from the UK, then there has to be at least something to it !?!
Anyway, to my mind, Hawkes Bay is my little piece of heaven and no matter where you might choose to settle there, you can't go far wrong, especially if you can find a good job there that you can enjoy :-)