Is New Zealand a safe place to vacation?

It is a great place. It's true that there is violence in some places but a lot of the time it is caused by idiot teenagers or gang members. It is bery possible to visit NZ and be safe as ever. I have lived in NZ my whole life and lived in Auckland for 10yrs+ and I feel very safe just about where ever I go. There are some places that you stay away from but all tourist areas are safe. I have traveled around the South Island and found everyone very friendly. I am currrently living in central North Island and it is so safe here that we leave the keys in the car and the house unlocked and open when we go out. NZ is a fantastic place to visit, so good that some people never leave, so don't take any notice of what the newspapers and news says, or what other people say, just come here and enjoy.