Any new Zealanders? (Aukland)?

Travel Info
I'm going to live in Aukland for 5months but i'm a bit stuck as to which area to look at rooms to rent in, as I hear Aukland is very big. I want to pay no more than $150 pw for a room, and are planning on getting bar/waitressing/shop work. we'd just like somewhere thats like a nice buzzing town, but that's not too expensive!
A quick run down of the different areas of Aukland wouldn't go a miss if possible, if not...any advise is greatly appreciated! :)

Travel Tips

Give south Auckland a miss..that place is rough and dangerous.

Check out these backpackers in central auckland as a start:

http://www.backpackers.co.nz
http://www.qsb.co.nz

There is a blue airport bus just on your left as you step out of the airport for about $12NZ that will take you into the city. Don't walk too far left or you bump into the taxis who will hit you up $50NZ for a ride into town . there are also shuttles but you are crammed in with other people.

Others
hi .. the inner city suburbs all have a good buzz.. try ponsonby to the west of the city has lots of cafes and bars, mt eden is to the south of the city and also has a nice buzz, grey lynn, kingsland are slightly further out from the city but also cool spots try www.trademe.co.nz and click on flatmates to get an idea of what is available!