I'm very seriously considering it. I have a sabbatical coming up in two years. Though I question your claim regarding Australia. How many species on the South Island can kill me in less than five minutes?

I've heard the penguins are dangerous when roused.

I cannot stress this enough: if you have a chance to go live in NZ, you take that chance. It's Tolkien land, and they have kiwis and penguins on the South Island if i'm not mistaken

The sandfly will give it a good go

I am no zoologist but aside from the bipedal sort I think it is 0 species.