“Honestly, we didn’t know much about Palmy,” Lisa admits. “Friends and family made all sorts of comments, with most of them negative! So, I did a deep dive into the ManawatuNZ website. I had a million tabs open, reading every single story about Palmy locals to gain a deeper understanding of what it was like to actually live and work here. That site was like my guidebook to deciding if we could really build a life here.” 

Less than two years later, Lisa and her husband are thriving in Manawatū - professionally, socially, and personally and have become some of the region’s biggest advocates. 

Choosing Manawatū: A values-led decision

When considering whether to relocate to Palmerston North, Lisa and her husband didn’t make a pros-and-cons list. Instead, they reflected on what truly mattered. 

“For me, innovation and community were key,” Lisa says. “As a psychologist and business owner, I was looking for a community that embraces research and encourages creativity and new ways of thinking. Manawatū stood out for that reason, and the more I read on the ManawatuNZ website, the more I saw those themes come through.” 

What surprised Lisa most was how quickly they built both careers and community. Her husband loves his role at Manawatū College, with its whānau focus and stunning sunrise commute, while Lisa has found not only business success but also a deep sense of community and belonging.  

“There are so many myths about Palmy,” Lisa explains. “We remained open-minded and have discovered so many hidden gems and a lifestyle that we absolutely love.” 

Building Healthy Love in Palmerston North

Lisa, a registered psychologist, launched her practice Healthy Love in 2020. For the first 12 months in Palmerston North, she was working part-time whilst hiring out a therapy room by the hour as she slowly built her client base. She has now been working full-time in Healthy Love since January 2025.  

“It wasn’t long before I leased the room full-time, and now I’ve taken over the building lease,” she says. “Taking on a commercial lease wasn’t something I thought I’d be ready for so quickly. What I thought was my 10-year plan has happened here in Palmy in a fraction of the time.” Now she has a thriving psychology practice and her dream therapy space with a weighted sloth and a tea menu.  

There’s a psychology shortage in the region, and Lisa’s practice has grown rapidly through word of mouth. Today, Healthy Love offers innovative services like relationship therapy intensives, brief therapeutic interventions, workshops for teenagers, and even “walk and talk” sessions along the river. She also has her own product range, which includes communication tools for kids, teens, and couples. At Healthy Love, there is also an on-site playroom with complementary childminding during therapy sessions. Her goal is simple: to make therapy more accessible, nurture healthy relationships, and ultimately, to help people no longer need her. 

“The community here has been incredible,” she adds. “From networking groups like Manawatū Business Gals and Women & Business, to feeling supported by other small businesses.” 

Living a life that feels like home

For Lisa, Manawatū has become a place where everyday rituals bring joy. Weekly walks along the Manawatū River Pathway and He Ara Kotahi while enjoying an ice cream from the Scoop Truck, visiting local markets, daily restorative yoga, mindful cups of tea, and enjoying fresh flowers at home and in her therapy room.   

“There are so many little gems here,” she says. “Healthy Love is next to Cravings Café, which is my favourite coffee spot, the river walkways are beautiful, and we love enjoying weekend trips to Wellington.”  

She laughs when recalling how she once mourned leaving Duck Island ice cream behind, only to find she could enjoy her favourite ice cream by the river. “That was a big win,” she jokes. “Life here gives me breathing room with less traffic, more space, and more time for what truly matters and our cat, Peanut, finally has the space to roam and is living her best life.” 

Beyond lifestyle, Lisa has found professional satisfaction that feels more impactful. “Here, you’re not lost in the crowd. You can really see the difference you’re making. Living in Palmy allows me to be present in the therapy room and present at home.” 

Advice for others considering Manawatū 

Lisa encourages others to challenge the stereotypes. “So many people asked, why Palmy? But we decided to make up our own minds. My advice? Treat it like an adventure. Be open-minded. You’ll be surprised by how meaningful and sustainable life here can be.” 

Less than two years in, she’s certain they made the right choice. “I’m further from where I grew up, but I feel more at home than ever. Manawatū has embraced us, and given us space to build not just careers, but a life we truly love.” 

And now, with her story featured on the very website that first convinced her to take the leap, Lisa reflects that it feels like things have come full circle. “It’s a surreal moment to be part of the place that welcomed us and maybe help someone else see what’s possible here too.”