[Tia Maria]

I should start by saying I'm not 100% sold on New Zealand, we only ever came over for a 'try' and at the moment its 50/50 as to whether we stay (we've been here about a year).

But I do believe that regardless of the outcome the positives far outweigh the negatives because you are forced out of your comfort zone and you try and experience new things. Even if those experiences lead you to believe life was OK in the country you left, you are still better off having gained that knowledge, rather than staying in that country always wondering if you could be happier.

So, emigrating meant .......

1) We got to see New Zealand and Australia and we have a few more places on our list

2) I get to watch my children play on the beach on a daily basis.

3) My OH gets to commute to work by ferry rather than a crowded tube train

4) My OH started driving again, we got a car

5) My son goes to a fantastic school which managed to teach him to read, be confident, mix with children of all ages and most importantly made learning enjoyable. Next year the school swimming pool opens!

6) My son now eats sushi

7) My OH got to realise that IT work is pretty much the same the world over

8) I learnt to value my UK friends and family more

Obviously most of these we could have done in the UK, but we simply wouldn't have because you get stuck in a rut. And we have quite a few more on the list like skiing and the boys learning to go on a boat. But to be honest its often the small changes that I enjoy the most. Eg My really fussy son eating sushi!

Cheers

Tia

[stu70]

It is really very interesting. One thing we all tend to overlook sometimes is the fact that while immigrating to another country we take something with us; ourselves. So if you are not happy with yourself in Kazakistan(saw Borat a few days ago :D ), chances are you will be the same in Brazil or NZ. Immigration reasons need to be more deeper and specific. It must help though to go away from your place of origin and look at it from a distance to develop a better appreciation for it. That sometimes in itself is worth immigrating for.

[veronica]

Don't forget sometimes its rose tinted specs on at this end too as you review home. Its easy to forget some of the things that really aggravated you back then when there is a little time and distance involved.

[gpbenton]

But I do believe that regardless of the outcome the positives far outweigh the negatives because you are forced out of your comfort zone and you try and experience new things.

Tia
:nice1
I couldn't agree more. I may or may not like NZ. If I don't it will still be good life experience.

I was asked today if I was moving permanently. All I could say was that I had no plans to return. :)

[Babette & Andy]

Soooo agree with all said above. My parents reckon it took them 2yrs to start feeling 'at home'. They have been back to Europe a couple of times and that has actually helped them, as they realise the reasons for moving here in the first place are still all true. You made some good points there Tia - even about the fussy eating habit changing :yes Same as you Graham - no plans to return at the moment, but then again not 100% sold on everything yet either. Think trying to make a go of it VERY expensive Auckland surroundings doesn't help some things either.

Babette

[Hannah]

Stu70 - you are so right. We can never escape ourselves!!! I do believe that if we are happy now, here, wherever we are, then chances are we'll be happy wherever else we go (unless walking into a warzone or something).

I'm looking forward to reading some responses to this thread, to see how people's lives changed in NZ. Would think up some of my own but too spaced out from all that packing and tea drinking....

hannah

[spudulike]

Well as most people know I am going home next year but not because I dislike NZ just because we can't manage here blah, blah, blah... :o

However, I agree with Tia that the positives outweigh the negatives (if you let them!)

So - Emigrating meant I....

- Have learnt to be more open minded

- Will never burn my bridges and say something is forever - you really cannot know

- Have learnt valuable lessons about who I am and what is important in my life

- Will make more effort to be sociable and welcoming to others - even if the house needs decorating as friendship is far more important!

- Have learnt to cook :D

- Have moved out of my comfort zone and grown in confidence

- Have experienced my dream of living in another Country - and a beuatiful one too

- Have learnt to appreciate what I had in the UK

- Will now settle when I get home and never wonder if I could have done more or provided a better life for my family!

L :)

[stu70]

Well as most people know I am going home next year but not because I dislike NZ just because we can't manage here blah, blah, blah... :o

However, I agree with Tia that the positives outweigh the negatives (if you let them!)

So - Emigrating meant I....

- Have learnt to be more open minded

- Will never burn my bridges and say something is forever - you really cannot know

- Have learnt valuable lessons about who I am and what is important in my life

- Will make more effort to be sociable and welcoming to others - even if the house needs decorating as friendship is far more important!

- Have learnt to cook :D

- Have moved out of my comfort zone and grown in confidence

- Have experienced my dream of living in another Country - and a beuatiful one too

- Have learnt to appreciate what I had in the UK

- Will now settle when I get home and never wonder if I could have done more or provided a better life for my family!

L :)

How beautiful an analysis. Lessons learnt are a great help for all those aspiring to be in NZ. Traveling does make a person better in many ways. You can not remain static and gain knowledge merely by reading a few books alone. Good luck to you and your family. May you find all the things you are looking for.

[jodieinchch]

I agree with all the above too.

I moved to NZ in Feb 06, not long ago I appreciate, as an 18 year old student. I left my friends and family back in England, and saw the move as a fantastic adventure and opportunity that I was fortunate to have. I couldn't wait for NZ. When I got there I felt so alone, like everyone was out to get me, and compared everything to being back home. For the first few months I was always saying about how I couldn't replace my friends in England. That still applies, I can't replace them, but my new friends mean just as much to me. I am currently back in England, and have been since the middle of November, due to seeing my family, baby brother etc. My first impressions of being back, 'how quickly can I get back to NZ' and 'can i change my flights'! Don't get me wrong I love England, but I know I have a place and right to be here any day of the week. NZ may not be forever, but I know that my heart lies there at the moment, and I'm now counting down the days to going back. I will still miss everything in the UK, but my visit back has made me appreciate both sides of the globe more. Give me a good bunch of friends and I'm happy wherever!

[NannyOgg]

For the first few months I was always saying about how I couldn't replace my friends in England. That still applies, I can't replace them, but my new friends mean just as much to me.

I am nearer 40 than I would like to be and yet the very same applies to me as to the young lass from Sheffield.

I had (and have) all my childhood friends from growing up in Berkshire, then I had (and have) all my 'baby' friends from when the kids were born and we met at anti-natal classes in Kent - and in a way that experience is a growing up of sorts again. And here I am moving half way around the globe, having to 'grow up' and make a life all over again and have already been lucky enough to meet a couple of great women (through this forum I hasten to ad - you know who you are!), and we are on this learning curve together, helping each other along, and if I did go home I would miss them as much as I miss my girlfriends back home. I am not replacing my friends, just adding to their number - which is still one of the best feelings in life :nice1

Nanny x

[Profzane]

Sorry to hear anyone having to leave their dream home.

But, you had a dream; you lived it, and now its time to return to the original dream of living at home.

At least that is how I see your comments.

I can't wait to get to NZ. I have never been to Kiwiland. I lived in OZ for 2 1/2 years eons ago. I have traveled around most of the world at a young age. Traveling is a teacher in herself.

I have heard that most Kiwis think Americans are just plain daft for leaving. That is fine. I always think I have a few screws loose.

In fact I was all set to live out the rest of my life the land I have. It was my wife who said: Let’s move to New Zealand! :eek: I couldn't believe it. After I thought about it, I was like, YEAH! Just when I thought all my adventures were over.

So, hold a place open for me outside of Christchurch. I am trying to get there as soon as I can. Stepping outside the comfort zone is a growing experience. At 40 something (can't believe I don't want to post my age) I hope I never stop growing.

I wish you and your family safe passage home.

Words from the Prof. of Zane