We live in Auckland. Been here from the UK for the last five years. We are happy although we never intended to settle here. We thought we'd head for Wellington area but Auckland was where I got the job.
Pros and cons.
It's a friendly city about the size of Liverpool which although it isn't the capital city is the biggest in NZ.
The biggest issue with Auckland is housing. It is expensive and prices are still rising at a phenomenal rate. Many think the market bubble will burst and I have to say I am among them. We are currently living in rental accomodation and haven't found it an issue as we are able to afford it. There is a rising homelessness crisis driven by under supply of new housing, swelling numbers of people, overseas investors, the rising house prices and the subsequent rising rental prices.
Having said that there are lots of lovely places to live and plenty of access to the outdoor even in the city. Loads of parks and the seas is never more than a few minutes away.
Schools are ok. Lots less rigid than the UK (don't know about Singapore) but a bit backward in terms of concentration on outdated and very expensive uniform and some operating more like my DF describes his UK grammar school in the 1950s. There are lots more opportunities for individualisation of education and trips out of school. It's also possible to take your kids out of school in term time for sensible reasons. Having said that my bright 13 year old is only now doing maths and science work he hadn't done by year 3 in the UK.
I don't subscribe to the NZ is in the 1950s thing. In many ways it is ahead. Banking systems are efficient and up to date. Tax is simple enough for real people to understand. People are open and inclusive and social. There are lots of people who started life overseas here in Auckland so plenty of people happy to get to know a newcomer. We've found it easy to make friends.
Happy to answer questions. PM me if you like.