In August this year, we will have been living in New Zealand for 10 years.
I can’t quite believe it.
It seems just yesterday that we made the decision to emigrate to New Zealand with our kids from the UK. Our grounds for leaving were many, but here is the main reason we left the UK for NZ.
New Zealand has given us a fair share of surprises and not everything was plain sailing when we first arrived.
Every country has its pros and cons and living in New Zealand is no exception.
But, while there are things that annoy us about living here (like having to get used to the many New Zealand slang words!) there are many, many positives that make New Zealand, in my humble opinion, one of the worlds top destinations.
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New Zealand is a country filled with positive people (mostly) and after coming from Britain this was so very refreshing.
Although the cost of living in New Zealand is slightly more than the UK, although in saying that there are a lot more things here that tend to be free.
Six of one; half a dozen of the other as they say.
New Zealand is a fabulous country, but we have had to learn a lot along the way and so much has happened in that time.
Brian, my husband started his own business, we built our own house in what I believe to be the best region in New Zealand, we took the kids out of school and educated them at home and because we could, we acquired 3 cats, 5 sheep and a dog.
But today I am in a reflective mood. This usually happens if I’ve spent too much time on Facebook or have been looking at photos of family from home.
Emigrating to New Zealand from the UK is not an uncommon thing. But, it’s a bit like when you find out you are pregnant and then suddenly every other person you meet is pregnant too.
You decide to start a new life in a different country and low and behold; “Oh, so and so has just emigrated to Australia.”
Tell a stranger that you’re thinking of emigrating, and they’ll happily tell you about the time their brother emigrated to America and hated it.
“He only lasted 4 months and then was on the next plane home”. Some people are positive, others? They just think you’re off your tree. ‘Why would anyone want to leave all their friends and family and start again?’
If you’re thinking of packing it all in and heading to a new life, here are a few things you can expect to hear. (Usually, from complete strangers who you only just met when you popped into their shop to buy some beans for lunch)
A list of favourite things the naysayers will probably say when you tell them you’re thinking of upping sticks and going to live the dream in New Zealand.
Negative Things That People Will (Probably) Say To You About Emigrating to New Zealand:
- WHAT??
- What about your Mum and Dad?
- What about the kid’s friends?
- It’ll ruin that child’s education pulling him out of school at this stage.
- I’ve heard the wages are terrible over there.
- It’s too hot for me. I like the seasons.
- Christmas? On the beach? Oh, no thank you.
- Can you get Heinz baked beans over there?
- Will you be home for your Auntie Edna’s 60thin May?
But, there are some things that (hopefully), if you’re lucky enough, the more open-minded, positive folks will say to you when you tell them of your grand plan of heading further afield.
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Positive Things That People (Hopefully) Will Say to You When You Tell Them Your Plans to move Down Under.
- Well, if you don’t do it, you’ll never know.
- What have you got to lose
- I had a friend who did the same, and it was the best thing they ever did.
- I’ve heard the cost of living is a lot lower over there.
- Your Mum and Dad will have plenty of holidays then!
- I bet the kids can’t wait!
- Just think, a BBQ on Christmas day!
- Make sure there’s room for Auntie Edna, she’ll be over to celebrate her 60th!
The thing is, if you’ve got an itch, any itch, you can only ignore it for so long. As I have just found out but that’s another story.
Emigrating To New Zealand From England.
Emigrating was something that Brian and I talked about long before the kids came along. We had been all over the world, searching.
And it wasn’t because we didn’t like where we were, we’ve lived in some beautiful parts of England and we were very happy, it was simply that we always felt an urge to try something else.
And there’s really nothing wrong with that. You either do, or you don’t.
Sometimes Living The Dream Isn’t Easy:
Sometimes, living the dream isn’t easy. You have to be prepared for those days when you just want to put your head in the suitcase, inflate your knickers, and fly all the way back to Kansas.
I’m in a reflective mood about leaving the UK today- probably because I fancied baked beans on toast for lunch and had to have eggs.
Living the dream isn’t always easy.
The Things I’ve Missed The Most since Emigrating From The Uk To New Zealand (And That You Will Probably Miss Too).
Family
Obviously, That’s what’s going to hit you the hardest.
Not being able to jump in the car and speed down the motorway for two hours to visit the family is a killer.
You may be different, for all I know you may be glad to see the back of them (it happens) but if not, be prepared. It’s hard.
I’m a bit antisocial, so the friend’s thing has never bothered me. Yes, I miss friends, but to be honest, you communicate so much on social media it won’t hurt that much. I’m also fortunate. Brian is my best friend and as long as I have him and the kids that’s all that really matters. But your family, yes. It’s a toughie.
The sense of belonging
Actually belonging. As in, my ancestors rode dinosaurs over those hills belonging. I don’t know how many years you’d have to live somewhere before you felt…Dinosaur worthy, but it’s not 8 years.
Things will be different, but that’s not to say they’ll be better.
Make sure you know your reasons for emigrating before taking that huge leap. It’s true, you may very well be sitting on the beach on 25th December, but if Father Christmas hasn’t delivered the right present to a naughty, 9-year-old, you’re going to have a stressy Christmas, regardless of suntan lotion and king prawns.
But. Like I said, if you have a desire to emigrate, don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way.
If you don’t try, you’ll never know.
7 Reasons That You Will Never Regret Emigrating to New Zealand
#1: Sometimes, I walk down the street, and I’ll remind myself; I LIVE in New Zealand. Not only that, I live in the world’s second-best region – Taranaki.
It still blows me away.
Sometimes it feels a little surreal. Amazing. You are actually living on the other side of the world, and guess what? You haven’t fallen off yet!
#2: The family will come and visit you, and you have wonderful quality time as a result of it.
When else would you get to spend all day for three weeks with the ones you love? Plus, it gives you an excuse to paint the house and build that extra bedroom, ready for them coming.
#3: You meet loads of like-minded families. Like I said before, there are thousands of people doing exactly the same thing as you and guess what? They’re probably in the same town.
You make so many new friends from all different parts of the world.
#4: I still feel as though I’m on a very very long holiday (this might have something to do with me still not having gone and got a proper job yet…)
Living in a country that you have only inhabited for 8 years, is new and exciting. There’s so much to discover and explore.
#5: If you can emigrate to the other side of the world, you can do WHATEVER you like. Honestly. If you can do that, you can do ANYTHING. Never forget that.
#6: You tell the kids every single thing there is to know about their family back home. I’m not sure if this would be true were we to have stayed, but since emigrating I make sure they both know every backstory – every relative connection.
They’ve seen all the old photos and been told about every childhood memory about a million times. It’s my way of keeping them in the loop.
#7: The wine. You know how I feel about my wine and New Zealand wine is some of the best – if not the BEST in the world.
If I were to emigrate again, I would choose France, Italy, Spain, California, Chile or Australia. I’m sorry England, I love your beans, you know I do, and it’s true that you make amazing Cornish pasties, but the old vino was a big pull for us.
If You Are Still Not Convinced That Emigrating To New Zealand is The Right Thing For You, Watch Our Video!
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Convinced? Maybe Just a Little More Pusuassuion Then!
Emigrating to New Zealand is not for the faint-hearted. It is a long way from everywhere. Thankfully. And that is why you need to do it. You are an adventurer, if you weren’t you wouldn’t be reading this blog. Remember, if you don’t try it you won’t know. You can always go back. You won’t – but you can.
Our children didn’t fall off the education ladder when we moved.
I didn’t suddenly forget how to function because the supermarkets were a little different, and Brian certainly didn’t let living in another country stop him from starting a successful business. If you’ve got an itch, scratch it.
And if you really, really want beans, go to the International Isle of the supermarket. They’re to the left of the Shredded Wheat.
You can do it.
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If you are thinking of moving to New Zealand, my advice to you is to do it.
Live your dreams and don’t let anyone stop you. Stepping out of the box isn’t always easy, but to say you tried at any dream is going to be worth it, and if emigrating to New Zealand is on your to-do list, then off you go. Give us a call when you get here x
It takes a huge leap of faith to move your family like that – well done, and it seems like you have achieved so much in those 8 years! Not sure I could do it, but I certainly don’t pass judgement on anyone who can. In many cases, you hear of people coming back after only a year or two, but in your case you seem to have really made it work.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Paul. Yes, it was a big move but so worth it!
We have been expats for a couple of years but back in the uk. Both lifestyles are great for kids
And it’s great that you have tried both, isn’t it? Glad you are happy with good old Blighty 🙂 Thanks for the comment x
I’d love to emigrate somewhere. If only I could get my husband to agree. New Zealand sounds like a great option. Those lambs – and your kids – are adorable.
Haha! Thanks, Sara. Yes, it as to be a joint decision or you’ll be forever blamed if it’s not right! And those cute kids are now big lolloping teenagers now! Still lovely but just big… x
Emigrating to New Zealand is definitely a commitment, so happy for you guys. I moved to Dubai which is only 7 hours from home but I can still appreciate some of your comments about what others might say. I’m happy I made the move. Enjoyed reading about your experience, thank you!
I’ve never been to Dubai but it looks fabulous. Thanks for your kind comment Vanessa. Liz x
I’m so glad that your move worked out and you’re all living a wonderful life. I’m quite happy where I am with no yearning to move away but I would love to visit NZ for a holiday some time.
Well if ever you do, make sure you look me up!
I guess emigrating isn’t easy at all but I’m glad it seems like it really worked out for you 🙂
Thank you Aniek 🙂
I think it is very brave of you to have taken the plunge and followed your heart! There are always people to encourage as well as discourage one from any big decision in life, and I like how you’ve summed up your experience – the good and the not-so-good. I’m also happy that you’re settled and making the most of your life in the new country. Wish you all the very best!
Thank you, Medha. I think you only get one shot at life and, like you say, you have to follow your heart. Thanks for the comment!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I absolutely love that you included the reaction of other people. Even after just living in the US for a bit more than a year I can relate. And it must be more extreme if you actually decide to move abroad for good. However, I think people should trust the fact that you made the decision that is best for you and your family and makes you happy. I love that you decided to do this and went through with it! It’s not always easy but life never is so do what you think is best 🙂
I’ve never been to New Zealand actually but the pictures you posted look super nice and I would love to go one day!
Thank you for your lovely comment Kate, I think we always thought,”oh well, if it doesn’t work out we will come back” It has just never got to that point yet though! If ever you come to NZ look me up, Id love to show you around Taranaki! Liz x
I’ve never moved, not permanently and the longest I’ve lived away is a few months, which is more of an extended trip than a real move. But my parents were immigrants to the UK before I was born and it’s only lately, in my 40s, that I realise how hard that must have been in terms of being so very far away from family and friends and everything they knew. I think you are right that you have to take the chance because not giving it a chance will only lead to regret!
I’m really lucky Kavita because my sister and her children already lived here and then my mum followed us over here! Now there’s just my brother to work on and I’d be set! Brian, on the other hand, has none of his family close by. Luckily though, we are visiting them next year! Thanks for your comment 🙂
Woaah! That’s exactly what I pushed me a step further towards my dream. You guys are rocking it. I haven’t yet figured out where in the world would we want to stay for a while other than our home country.
Wheres your home country? Exploring your own piece of the world is just as exciting, isn’t it? I love travelling in New Zealand and don’t think Id ever get bored of doing so!
Hi Liz, welcome to NZ 😀 You ARE brave to make the move and I hope you have met many good Kiwis as well as enjoying the wine and the sights! My parents emigrated from Newcastle in 1967 – on a boat! I’ve casually considered a move somewhere even sunnier and warmer (Oz? Rarotonga? Spain?) but family keeps me here and I do think we are fortunate in many ways to live here and raise our kids here. Here’s to the next 8 years!
Thank you, Lisa, and welcome to the blog! You know, emigrating on a boat…now THATS hardcore, isn’t it? I can’t imagine life without keeping in touch with family and friends by email etc. Thanks so much for the comment and remember, you are always welcome to visit us in Taranaki!
I came across your blog through Quora at 2 am and I just cannot get enough! I’m orginally from Canada and at the age of 20, I packed my entire life into one suitcase and bought a one way ticket to Yorkshire all by myself with no plans to return home!
2 years later, I am absolutely in love and have met the man i’m planning on marrying. By this time next year, we’ll be living in Canada together for 2 years to save some money and emigrate to New Zealand or Australia!
Travelling is my absolute greatest passion, and to find someone willing to do that with me in life is the icing on the cake.
Cheers!
I came across your blog through Quora at 2 am and I just cannot get enough! I’m orginally from Canada and at the age of 20, I packed my entire life into one suitcase and bought a one way ticket to Yorkshire all by myself with no plans to return home!
2 years later, I am absolutely in love and have met the man i’m planning on marrying. By this time next year, we’ll be living in Canada togethe for 2 years to save some money and emigrate to New Zealand or Australia!
Travelling is my absolute greatest passion, and to find someone willing to do that with me in life is the icing on the cake.
Cheers!
Oh,Shayna! I love this comment! It sounds as though you have found your dream companion. And what a choice! New Zealand or Canada, both beautiful places to be spending time in. You will love NZ :)) Please keep in touch with me and let me know how it’s all progressing, you are obviously a girl with itchy feet!
Liz x
PS: I can tell it was 2 am as you have sent me two messages! You must have been getting tired…
Amazing stuff to read . Me and my wife thinking to move to newzealand since years but then you knw we are afraid of everything. Not sure, if we will be able to make it.
WEll if you do, look me up!
Hi Liz,
Our family are considering moving to New Zealand, Waiheke to be exact. We have some of friends who are moving later this year, and we are now really tempted. Any suggestions on how best to find work? My wife is a Primary School Teacher and I’m a Marketing Manager/TV Director.
Any ideas appreciated. What does your husband do?
And be great to hook up for a wine if/when we come.
Thanks
Sophie
Hi Sophie,
Fabulous! And Waiheke is very lovely (and a bit posh so I will expect nice wine thank you very much?!)
As far as jobs go, I would start with http://www.trademe.co.nz and go to jobs. Or http://www.seek.co.nz Also there is https://nz.indeed.com/
For teaching jobs try looking on https://gazette.education.govt.nz/vacancies/
I hope this helps a little and if there is anything that you can think of that you need to know then please contact me (probably best email me [email protected]
Look forward to hearing from you Sophie!
Liz
PS: (Not sure if you have listened to the podcast episode that Brian (my husband) and I made together about coming to New Zealand? It is here if you want to have a listen).
https://itsadrama.com/how-to-move-to-new-zealand-podcast-13/
PPS: Brian came over as a plumber but we are now venturing towards e-commerce and other very exciting things!
gr8 blog-we have moved multiple times australia to uk /-uk to usa / and now after 25 yrs overseas and 4 almost adult kids are planning on moving to NZ in the next couple of years to “retire” (aka hike and drink wine) ..we love NZ and hope it all works out for us to move there permanently…people think we are a little crazy but you only get one shot at life!
How wonderful Sher! Yes, you’re right…you DO only get one shot and retiring in a country that has plentiful wine and beautiful hikes sounds perfect! See you down under soon 🙂
Hey Liz, this is Shashank.
It’s so wonderful reading your blogs. Actually, me and my partner with two kids (5 and 10 years old) are planning to move to NZ next year. I came across your blog and can relate to almost 100% of what we are going through at the moment. I am quite surprised that you have covered almost all the details in such a beautiful way. Thank you so much.
If everything goes well, we will be in Christchurch next year. I am still going through with your other posts and podcast. However, if you have any more suggestions, that would help. My regards to Sonny and Tessa and to your husband.
If you have loved something from India, I will bring it to you when we meet.
Kind Regards
Shashank
Thankyou Shashank, I am so glad that you are enjoying the content. Good luck with your move to NZ!
New Zealand ….Magic place ….Thank you for this detailed article…Definitely must be there one day …Not for ever …But for pleasure:)