[Alan]

For a number of years my better half and I have been thinking a lot about the possibility of moving to NZ for a number of reasons, mostly relating to quality of life i.e. climate, sporting kids, outdoor lifestyle etc.

However I am now seriously considering redundancy from a corporate that I have been with for quite a number of years and frankly I really need to get away from. This would mean that we could move to NZ mortgage free and lead a reasonable lifestyle, all of which is really attractive to me.

My wife however has really got the bit between her teeth and although we have never been out there to visit, we have researched it heavily and she is totally up for packing up and moving out ASAP, to the point where I may even come and look for work imminently and then the family follow as soon as possible after.

Just wanted to share this with the forum as it is really exciting and a little bit scary at the same time. At the end of last week I came across a number of doom-mongering type posts in various sites that basically said it was so expensive that even without a mortgage you cannot afford to do anything and I felt a little flat over the weekend, but then I found a few more balanced posts and feel really keen to go for it.

Has anyone else had this experience and if so what happened to either make it reality or to not bother?

[RamblingPaddies]

best of luck alan, whatever you choose.

[dilanium]

There are several sites out there that seem set on making things look horrible. You honestly won't know if it's right for you if you don't try.

From reading on here there are somethings that you need to change in your lifestyle to survive in NZ. But then, for me, that's a lot of the reason that I want to go. Why would you want to move to Nz if you want to live the same way you do in your current country?

I haven't been yet, so I cannot give you hard information. I know that we'll be living with very little money when my OH and I get there, but then, I'll be a student. I'm used to living like that though (having been in college for about 7 years now), so it won't be a change.

Good luck either way you decide, and I hope that some people on here can give you examples of perhaps how they had to cut back a little, but still live wonderful (and better) lives (according to them).

[K&CS]

Hi Alan

We are also fortunate enough to not have a mortgage and we have no problems managing at all. As people often say though, it depends on your definition of 'managing'. We've never been particularly extravagant anyway, but we certainly don't have to go without anything. It also depends on how much capital you're bringing over, where you'll be living, your salary (assuming you'll be working) etc etc.

It sounds like you've got the bit between your teeth now so good luck with it all!

Kate

[Alan]

You are dead right about the definition of "managing", all we want is champagne on our cornflakes in the morning!

We are looking for the climate and a country that embraces the outdoors for our children. Unlike many we will want a large town or a city as we want all the facilities that they can bring close to hand.

I think we also know that there are going to be a lot of things that we won't be able to get perhaps food, clothing etc wise but then there should be a lot more things that we could never get here. As you say, if it was just going to be the same as where you currently are, what would be the point of moving at all!

For me it is just funny how things can suddenly change in life and you staring at the biggest change of your life in the space of no time at all, and even the kids are mad to go

[Pookeko]

Good luck Alan :nice1 Hope you come to a decision soon but whatever decision you make: nothing is irreversible. :)

Northants to NZ... my mother's family - originially my mother many many years ago, but more recently my aunt & grandparents - have all made that move. They have been in NZ for 15-20 years now and none want to go back! :) :)

[Carol]

nothing is irreversible. :)
:)




How true.....
And what have you got to lose?
Other than a huge learning experience of different culture, climate and opportunities.

You have an amaazing opportunity on your hands.
I dont want to sound like a moaning minnie - but when we came 12 years ago we had literally a couple of thousand dollars to bring and it has been a huge struggle financially to get back on track.



Mortgage free????
What are you waiting for?
You've got it made!

[JWR]

You are dead right about the definition of "managing", all we want is champagne on our cornflakes in the morning!

The champagne is affordable but the cornflakes are not.

cornflakes, is this what this is all about?

C'mon Alan, get on with it, get out of the boring place you live in and have a new adventure. "Get A Life" and re-invent yourself. Wife hanging out to come, kids can't wait, you've lost your job, you are financially in a good position, yet you procrastinate. Maybe you don't deserve NZ.

I am an ex Scot, grew up (20 years) in Scotland, 30 years in Australia, brought up a family there, now off to NZ. As an 'Aussie' I can come and go as I please. Went there for a holiday a year ago and fell in love with the place, clean air, small population, AMAZING scenery (I'm talking South Island, but others prefer the north) and friendly people.

Think of it as an opportunity that will never present itself again. This will mean becoming a new person, cast off that old suit, your children may grow up there, love it there, stay there, marry there, have family there. You are at a crossroads. This is a huge decision for you, but like others have said, in 2-3 years if it doesn't work out go back to the land of hope and glory.

But right now, you've got to go to NZ, or you my regret not doing so for the rest of your life.

[Alan]

Okay okay already :D

That's it we are coming :exit so don't tell me I didn't warn you when we land, although from what some have posted the house prices could do with coming down a little :clap