Where in New Zealand are you from? I've traveled to many countries but never had the chance. Met many Kiwis, especially on cruises. My impression is that it's something like Switzerland, except in the southern hemisphere, and that they are very international minded. Once they get off the islands, they tend to just keep traveling.
My wife and I did an Oceania cruise from Papeete to Lima, stopping in the Pitcairn Islands. They claim to be the remotest spot of land on earth, although there is some competition, such as South Georgia. The population is less than 50, and the entire island came aboard to sell genuine Pitcairn products such as "Welcome to Pitcairn" T shirts made in Nicaragua, as well as wood carvings and honey. Somehow, New Zealand administers the island. This was in 2013. There was one NZ policeman who constituted the entire police force. He came onto the ship. There was some nasty business a few years ago relating to sexual abuse. Somehow I think New Zealand was dragged into it. I don't know all the details.
Running the Boston Marathon is indeed the dream of every runner (from wannabe to world class). This year, the US runners won the men's and women's race, after a drought of nearly 30 years. Kenya and Ethiopia have had the most success recently.