You’ve decided to move to New Zealand, whether for the first time or as a returning Kiwi, but you probably have some anxiety about whether your relocation will work out. While there’s no guarantee, there are certainly some steps you can take to set yourself up for success in your new life. 

Define success for yourself

Just like you would expect to set specific benchmarks in a professional role, you should think about what you want for your life in New Zealand. And don’t forget about defining a timeline for assessing progress. You’ll want to set these priorities early in your journey so that they can be your guiding light. 

This is a critical conversation for partners to ensure that you both know what the other wants and have enough overlap for the relocation to make sense. It’s also helpful to talk with your children - particularly if they’re old enough to contribute to the conversation - about what values your family wants to prioritise. 

For my family, one goal we’ve identified is the desire to have a less busy lifestyle. We want to be open to spontaneous opportunities, like an after school swim on a hot day or an impromptu dinner with the neighbours. When things start feeling too hectic, my partner and I remind each other of this value and readjust...but we have agreed that we won’t discuss the overall success of our move for at least two years. 

Prepare before you arrive in New Zealand

Once you’ve explored what a successful move to NZ looks like for you and your family, take the appropriate steps to achieve it! 

Some areas you’ll want to consider are whether to hire local experts in New Zealand to support you, how you’ll talk with and prepare your children, and how to get yourself closure in the location you’re leaving.

With the pandemic complicating big and small aspects of life, it’s not too soon to prepare to succeed. 

One of the key reasons we hired relocation services was to set ourselves up for success. We knew that my partner would be working full time as soon as we landed, leaving virtually all of the life set-up to me, with three children in tow! That dynamic was not going to be easy, fast, or good for our family. I only wish that I’d hired the help sooner. 

Embrace change

If you’ve decided to relocate to New Zealand, chances are that you’re ready for change. Moving to the middle of the Pacific brings lots of adjustment compared to living in places like the US or UK. I’ve found it’s far easier to enjoy living in New Zealand if you embrace the change it brings. 

Here are a few differences I’ve noticed (and their silver linings!):

• Fresh food tends to be available by season rather than year around, which makes you really appreciate seasonal favourites when they appear in the stores.

• Prepare yourself for a more limited range of products (easier decision making...) and generally longer time to source them (though not always much longer), which means almost any purchase can feel like Christmas morning when it arrives.

• Get ready for a laid back culture with kids running around barefoot and people stopped along the sidewalk to chat without a glance at their watch, which means there are lots of opportunities for human connection. 

While I’ve experienced my share of frustration as I adjust to the Kiwi speed and way of life, the reminder that we moved to New Zealand because we were seeking change almost always gets me back on track. 

Seek support for the whole family

Even if one member of the family has the job or family that is pulling you to New Zealand, it’s critical to get support for the whole family. This is more than making sure the boxes of much-loved stuffies and family heirlooms arrive at your new home.

Research shows that as many as 70% of failed international relocations are due to family issues, spouse dissatisfaction, or inability to settle into their new country. Nobody wants the emotional and logistical upheaval of turning round and heading back to the country you’d left because someone in the family is unhappy.

What does each and every family member need to make this transition a success? Think about the basics like school, work, daycare...and then go a step further. Do they have a talent or interest that they want to pursue? Is there a particular location that would allow the family unit to thrive? Are there connections that would help you ease your transition? 

We were lucky that our relocation specialist helped to walk us through these important conversations and connect us with what we need to succeed. As a result of her attention to the well-being of the entire family, my partner was supported in his return to New Zealand after 20 years, I felt seen as a newcomer and individual with an identity outside of “Mum,” and my kids were pointed toward schools and activities that allow them to live their best lives.

There are sure to be bumps in the relocation road, but preparation and support can go a long way towards softening the disruption and ultimately allowing you to thrive in your new life. 

Visit Mobile Relocation Experts to learn more.

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Need help with moving and/or immigrating to New Zealand? Whether you have immediate plans or are thinking of moving next year, Mobile Relocation is ready to connect you with what you need to thrive in NZ. 

About the authors: Amanda is a former US immigration attorney who moved to NZ with her Kiwi partner and three children during COVID. She enjoys making the journey easier for those following a similar path and providing the perspective of someone who’s recently been there. amanda@mobile-relocation.com

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.  bridget@mobile-relocation.com