Anti American sentiment in NZ?

Can anyone speak to this-either locals or Americans working in NZ?

I spoke with someone who said they had a terrible time of assignment in NZ because the anti-American sentiment had gotten so bad. Their kids were being harassed constantly in school and the neighborhood. They said they didn't feel safe anymore and came home. I don't know them personally at all, so i can't speak to their perception of the events, AND it was at the height of the anti-Bush wave...so maybe any of that will have subsided or be subsiding. Anyone else aware this and if so, how severe is it? Is it regional?

Thanks for any input. I won't be traveling or relocating for several years, but I like to examine options way ahead of time and be prepared for anything!