Once you've met the 5 year residence requirement, becoming a New Zealand citizen is fairly easy - it's getting the residence in the first place that's the hard part.
In addition to meeting health and character requirements, you will need to pass NZ's points test and for that, you'll need qualifications and experience in an occupation on one of their Skills Shortage Lists - a job offer will also help:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/s…
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/
I'm not a Kiwi, but I've spent a fair bit of time there and believe you would be safe and feel comfortable virtually anywhere - the whole country is much safer than most other places in the world.
The best place for work will depend on your occupation. The Immediate Skill Shortage List lists shortages by region and the Long Term Skill Shortage List only includes occupations with nationwide shortages.