New Zealander here, I'll answer what I can.
>What is the etiquette like, and what can I do to quietly and politely integrate?As an New Zealander, I can confirm everything in the 2 links are correct. It may take some time to get use to, but it is quite an easy way of life. Honestly, its a struggle to talk about our way of life here unless you experience it yourself.
http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/new-zealand-guidehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette_in_Australia_and_New_Zealand>Are there any specific pitfalls or hazes I can expect as an American?No, probably not. New Zealanders kind of have an undertone of racism and anger which is quite surprising when you meet it first hand, but its usually against other races or people trying to fight against our way of life. But for the vast majority of the time, everyone you meet will be nice.
>How should I best prepare for the move, in terms of seeking employment?I would highly read up on the immigration documents as they are changing a lot this year. You really want to make sure you are on the skills list to come in.
>What are some of the better areas? Ones to avoid?You may want to consider the South Island for an easier way of life, where the cities have all the amenties of a large cities but at a fraction of the population. I would recommend avoiding Auckland, it isn't a place to raise a child anymore.
>inb4 fuck off we're fullYeah basically. New Zealand consists of two islands, with a third of the population living in 1 city, and we are seen as the best place to run away to at the bottom of the world as over here. Due to the ocean that surrounds New Zealand, it has created a natural barrier to world events, with the closest neighbor of Australia 4 hours away, you are seperated from the rest of the world.
