0:00:02 > 0:00:06Welcome to Wanted Down Under Revisited.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Today, we're catching up with the Cummings family
0:00:10 > 0:00:13who we first met back in 2008
0:00:13 > 0:00:19when we gave them the chance to sample the life in New Plymouth on the coast of New Zealand.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23The Cummings family, from the far north of Scotland,
0:00:23 > 0:00:26were considering a move much further than most.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30The family is young enough that we can start fresh, as a family.
0:00:30 > 0:00:37Dougie had left the Navy after 23 years and wanted to get back some time with his children.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40I was away for a lot of it and I came back and...
0:00:40 > 0:00:42I mean, Sarah didn't even know who I was.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46But 11-year-old daughter Sarah needed convincing.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48She made it quite clear that she didn't want to go.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- Can you see yourself here?- No.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53If they moved, they would be leaving a lot behind.
0:00:53 > 0:00:59They've got it all back home, so what's the point in coming here just to get exactly the same?
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Their family and their friends are on the other side of the world.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06After weighing everything up, what did they decide?
0:01:06 > 0:01:10You think to yourself, we could be making the biggest mistake of our lives
0:01:10 > 0:01:15or we could be making the most fantastic decision of our lives.
0:01:37 > 0:01:44Wanted Down Under puts British families to the ultimate test
0:01:44 > 0:01:47by giving them the chance to try life in New Zealand.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49They have just one week
0:01:49 > 0:01:52to find out about homes, work and lifestyle
0:01:52 > 0:01:58before voting on their future, but what happened next?
0:01:58 > 0:02:04We've caught up with some of our original families to find out where they are now.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07For stunning scenery,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Scotland is hard to beat.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14The Cummings family already lived in an enviable setting close to John O'Groats.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19Duncan, or Dougie to his friends, and wife Laura
0:02:19 > 0:02:22have daughters Sarah, eleven, and Jo, ten,
0:02:22 > 0:02:26with twin sons, Gareth and Stuart, aged six.
0:02:26 > 0:02:27They're a large family.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30Over the years, Dougie had hardly seen them.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34I joined the Navy straight from school when I was 16
0:02:34 > 0:02:38and on a ship, you can guarantee being away for six months, seven months a year.
0:02:38 > 0:02:44Doug was away an awful lot of time and when our first daughter was born,
0:02:44 > 0:02:49he literally left four days after she was born and he was gone for, like, three months.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53In my last year on the Ark Royal we were away for ten months and I came back
0:02:53 > 0:02:56and Sarah didn't even know who I was.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01He missed most of the children's birthdays, which was hard, but that's part of being a Navy family.
0:03:01 > 0:03:07So, after 23 years of service, Dougie hung up his Navy hat and was looking for a new direction.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11Now, it's nice to be leaving it behind and spending some more time with the family.
0:03:11 > 0:03:17Dougie's skills as an electronics engineer were in demand Down Under
0:03:17 > 0:03:20and with the kids in mind, mum Laura had set her hopes on New Zealand.
0:03:21 > 0:03:29But 11-year-old Sarah loved her school and friends in Scotland and didn't want to leave.
0:03:29 > 0:03:35I don't like going to New Zealand because I don't want to leave my friends. It'll be a big change.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40We don't want to drag them away from their friends or split them up from what they're used to
0:03:40 > 0:03:44but I think... I think they'll thank us for it in the end, I really do.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48There was a lot for the family to think about.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49The decision to emigrate
0:03:49 > 0:03:56or not to emigrate is the biggest decision that we've ever had to make in our lives,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58so, really, you kind of think to yourself,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01we could be making the biggest mistake of our lives
0:04:01 > 0:04:05or we could be making the most fantastic decision of our lives.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11To help the Cummings consider the huge risk they'd be taking,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13they were put to the ultimate test in 2008,
0:04:13 > 0:04:17on a trial week in New Plymouth in New Zealand.
0:04:17 > 0:04:23Situated in the shadow of the giant 2,500-metre Mount Taranaki,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26with the stunning coast of the Tasman Sea to the west,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29there's a multitude of places to explore.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32There were three different lifestyles to choose from.
0:04:32 > 0:04:38One in the city, one in the country and one on the coast.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42Each option included the offer of a job for Dougie.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45The beautiful countryside around New Plymouth
0:04:45 > 0:04:49would have offered the Cummings the outdoor living they wanted,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52set against the backdrop of Mount Taranaki.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55For Dougie, an electrical engineering job was available
0:04:55 > 0:04:59at this specialist technology company.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04With a starting salary of £30,000, it offered flexible working hours.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08And in 2008, country property prices were very reasonable here.
0:05:08 > 0:05:14£185,000 would have bought the Cummings a four bedroom home
0:05:14 > 0:05:15with four acres of land.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21New Plymouth city offered the Cummings a friendly,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24family-oriented place to live with impressive architecture,
0:05:24 > 0:05:26such as the museum.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28At this electrical contractor,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Dougie could have earned a salary of up to £35,000
0:05:31 > 0:05:34working in the oil and gas industry.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36With this company,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39he would have had the option to work as a project manager,
0:05:39 > 0:05:41a site supervisor or a technician.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44And in 2008, the good news was
0:05:44 > 0:05:50a four-bedroom home in a central suburb started at just £150,000.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52Overlooking the Tasman Sea,
0:05:52 > 0:05:56coastal New Plymouth boasts an all- encompassing waterfront lifestyle,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00from the scenic splendour of the seven-kilometre cycle promenade
0:06:00 > 0:06:04to the thrill of some of the best surf in New Zealand.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Homes close to the sea would have cost the Cummings a little more.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11This spacious four-bedroom home, a short drive from the seafront,
0:06:11 > 0:06:16was on the market for £240,000 in 2008.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20There was a £30,000 job available as a project engineer
0:06:20 > 0:06:23in this company serving the thriving gas industry.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26General Manager Mark Hatch was keen to meet Dougie.
0:06:26 > 0:06:33As a project engineer you'd take projects from design through to construction and completion.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37We have flexible working hours. It gives you plenty of time with the kids.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Swimming, fishing, sailing, 200 metres from the office.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42It's a brilliant lifestyle.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46Transfield Worley's a great place to work and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48We look forward to seeing you here.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53The Cummings trialled life in coastal New Plymouth.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Overlooking the Tasman Sea and with work for Dougie,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59it all looked very inviting,
0:06:59 > 0:07:03but did it live up to their expectations?
0:07:05 > 0:07:08From the top of Scotland to the bottom of the world,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11getting to New Plymouth needed four different flights
0:07:11 > 0:07:13and took a gruelling 36 hours.
0:07:13 > 0:07:20They found themselves over 11,000 miles from home and for such a long journey with four children,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22they seemed amazingly perky.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26Absolutely exhausting, but good fun.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30I think the best scenario this week would obviously be really nice weather
0:07:30 > 0:07:32and seeing and experiencing as much as we can.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Worst scenario would be pouring down with rain
0:07:35 > 0:07:38and us not being able to get out and about as much as we'd like.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43It was time to head for the rental accommodation.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Oh, wow, look at that! Look at that volcano, look!
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Is that a real volcano?
0:07:47 > 0:07:50It's a real volcano!
0:07:50 > 0:07:54It was only a ten-minute drive to New Plymouth. For their trial week,
0:07:54 > 0:07:59the Cummings were staying in a five-bedroom, single-storey house, a few blocks from the sea.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04It wasn't just the timber construction that was black and white.
0:08:04 > 0:08:10Inside, owner Judy had tastefully furnished the whole place to match,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12but what did this colourful family think of it?
0:08:12 > 0:08:15LAURA GIGGLES Isn't that lovely!
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- Hi, nice to meet you.- I'm Judy.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Go on then, you lot.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24Judy had collected designer furnishings from all around the world.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28That huge mirror at the end, it's beautiful.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- Isn't it?- Yeah.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35That's a genuine antique and I think it came out from England many, many years ago.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Genuine antiques and fine design, hopefully the boys behaved!
0:08:41 > 0:08:42Uh-oh, trouble!
0:08:42 > 0:08:46The dream kitchen had everything fitted
0:08:46 > 0:08:49and there was even something to keep Dougie cool.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51This is my beer fridge, apparently.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- HE GASPS - So, um...
0:08:55 > 0:09:00Outside, there was plenty of room for the children to play in or, in the case of Stuart and Gareth,
0:09:00 > 0:09:02somewhere to get into trouble.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Look, Gareth, that's a rope.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Leave the rope alone. Gareth, come out of there.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Come on. It's not... Out!
0:09:09 > 0:09:10It's our little place.
0:09:10 > 0:09:11Scoot.
0:09:13 > 0:09:14Crrrk!
0:09:19 > 0:09:23Taking the huge step and uprooting your lives from the UK
0:09:23 > 0:09:28for a new life in New Zealand can be a traumatic experience
0:09:28 > 0:09:32so you'll want to find a nest for your family as quickly as possible.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36Properties in New Zealand are visually quite different to the UK
0:09:36 > 0:09:39with timber buildings the norm and open-plan living a key factor
0:09:39 > 0:09:46but there's a good reason for the use of wood in a country where it can get pretty cold and wet -
0:09:46 > 0:09:47earthquakes.
0:09:47 > 0:09:53Houses are built with this in mind as New Zealand averages between 100 and 150 quakes
0:09:53 > 0:09:56that are big enough to be felt each year.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59New Zealand properties are not as cheap as they once were
0:09:59 > 0:10:04but generally you can expect to get more house for your money than in the UK.
0:10:04 > 0:10:11Prices range from area to area, with the average house in the Auckland region costing around £220,000,
0:10:11 > 0:10:16but for the Cummings something similar in New Plymouth would only set them back around 135,000.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22For the Cummings family, finding the right home was a vital consideration,
0:10:22 > 0:10:27but they had to be impressive to be better than their house in Caithness.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29In 2008, back home in Scotland,
0:10:29 > 0:10:34the Cummings were used to having open space around their seven-bedroom property.
0:10:34 > 0:10:40It was built in the 1970s and was worth about £170,000.
0:10:40 > 0:10:46If they could sell it they would have been looking to spend up to £200,000 on a New Zealand home,
0:10:46 > 0:10:53including a small mortgage and needed enough space both outside and in to let the children run around.
0:10:53 > 0:10:59In 2008, we found them three homes to get a realistic idea of what they could afford
0:10:59 > 0:11:01if they made the big decision to emigrate.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Property One was only minutes from the seafront
0:11:04 > 0:11:07and well within their price range at only £140,000.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11It had four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a generous garage.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15The chalet style made heavy use of local timber
0:11:15 > 0:11:18and the property was set in its very own rainforest,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21very appropriate with the change in the weather!
0:11:21 > 0:11:25Oh, dear! We brought the rain with us from Scotland, I think!
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Oh, wow! Look at all the windows.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35I bet in the sunshine this is really, really bright, isn't it? It's gorgeous.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39It kind of like a... It's got a Swiss feel to it, hasn't it?
0:11:39 > 0:11:44A log-burning stove heated the cosy living room and connected kitchen
0:11:44 > 0:11:47and if they weren't warm enough there was always the hot tub.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- Do you like spas? - It's like a mini swimming pool. - A bubbly bath.- Yeah.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- Yeah.- That's lovely and warm.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59Once again, the boys had made themselves at home.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07Let's go in here, this is the boys' room. Come and have a look.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10There was certainly plenty of room for the children.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15It's so overcast outside and yet the rooms are still bright because of the windows.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- Is that a New Zealand trait, lots of windows?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26Upstairs, the master bedroom was very light and airy with its own en suite.
0:12:26 > 0:12:27Would it tempt Sarah?
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Is this your size of room, is it, Sarah? Cos your room at home's quite small, isn't it?
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- You'd quite like an en suite, would you?- Yeah.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- You'd have to clean it yourself!- No!
0:12:39 > 0:12:45While the kids let off steam down in the garden, Mum and Dad talked money.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50New Zealand is 348, so that would relate back to about £140,000.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52140? That's really good.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Laura was excited by the price.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Let's go look at the next one!
0:13:00 > 0:13:01Good idea.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06It was early September 2008 and still winter in New Zealand.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11As the rain really set in, Property Two could become a welcome shelter
0:13:11 > 0:13:16and was described in the estate agent's notes as a contemporary hideaway.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19It, too, was secluded by trees, had four bedrooms
0:13:19 > 0:13:22and was remarkably good value in 2008 at £135,000.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27But it was not only their appetite that had been whetted.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Oh, it's soaking!
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I thought we came here to get away from the rain!
0:13:35 > 0:13:38They couldn't wait to get inside
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- and were immediately impressed. - This is lovely.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Oh, wow!
0:13:45 > 0:13:46It's big!
0:13:46 > 0:13:48That is gorgeous.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50Oh, my goodness!
0:13:51 > 0:13:56The open-plan living area linked through to an unusual first floor conservatory
0:13:56 > 0:13:59that took full advantage of the home's green surroundings.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06I just love all the trees and the greenery. It's just smashing.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10You're about a quarter of an hour's walk from here into town...
0:14:10 > 0:14:14And you don't have to come out onto the roads or anything.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16The twins were happy here, too.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Upstairs, all the bedrooms were on the top floor.
0:14:20 > 0:14:25That's lovely. Actually, I love the way it's on all the different levels, it's really nice.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30The children would have plenty of space and the last bedroom was perfect,
0:14:30 > 0:14:32if you like grapefruit for breakfast!
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Oh, look at the fruit out the window!
0:14:36 > 0:14:40You could just wake up in the morning, open the window and grab your breakfast!
0:14:40 > 0:14:42..Er, why's that?
0:14:42 > 0:14:45We've had strong interest in the high 300s, low 400s,
0:14:45 > 0:14:48which equivalent to your English pounds...
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- Sort of about your 130, 135,000 English pounds...- Bracket, mm-hmm.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58- That's very reasonable, isn't it? - It is very reasonable. It's gorgeous. It's huge.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03It was a lot of home for the money, but for the first time Laura wasn't happy.
0:15:03 > 0:15:09This is a lovely house, but I kind of feel like I want to pick it up and plonk it in a field.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10What do you think, Sarah?
0:15:10 > 0:15:12No.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Sarah was finding it hard.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19Viewing properties had made a possible move seem much more real,
0:15:19 > 0:15:23so before Property Three, the family went for lunch and a chat,
0:15:23 > 0:15:26but there were tears over the hamburgers.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30No, I just don't want to live here.
0:15:30 > 0:15:36She got a bit upset over lunchtime because we'd actually sat down for the first time since we've been here
0:15:36 > 0:15:39and we just talked a little bit about it, how we were feeling.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44She's frightened, in a way, to tell us how she feels because she thinks we're going to be disappointed
0:15:44 > 0:15:49but we said we want her to be honest. But I think, ultimately, she's just frightened of change.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Perhaps Sarah would be cheered up by a trip to the countryside.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58Mum Laura was keen to view a property surrounded by fields,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01just like their home in Scotland.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03But that comes at a price,
0:16:03 > 0:16:07so in 2008 we showed them a property priced at £240,000.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Although it was 40,000 over their budget
0:16:10 > 0:16:15it would have given them an idea of what a top-end home was like.
0:16:15 > 0:16:16- Hi, Laura.- Hello.- How are you?
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- Pleased to meet you. - Nice to meet you.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- This must be the crew!- It is.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24First it was the massive living room that got the big "wow".
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Wow!
0:16:29 > 0:16:33The open-plan design took great advantage of the views.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36This is lovely. This is, you know...
0:16:36 > 0:16:39The sink looking out at the greenery and everything,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42and I just love the family space.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46It was ideal for the children and for Mum and Dad,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50the master bedroom had a clever hidden walk-in wardrobe.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57So, could they see themselves living in this upmarket property?
0:16:57 > 0:17:02We know this one's up at 240,000, which is well out of our budget, but you can see why.
0:17:02 > 0:17:08I mean, it's beautiful. I mean, just... I mean, that's probably worth 140,000 as it is.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11It's got it all. If you just stand here,
0:17:11 > 0:17:13there's no traffic, you know,
0:17:13 > 0:17:14you can hear the birds,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17but we would have a huge mortgage
0:17:17 > 0:17:21and we wouldn't basically have the time to sit back and appreciate it.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22We'd hardly be at home,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25we'd be at work all the time to pay the bills!
0:17:25 > 0:17:29Once the rain had stopped, it was time to vote.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Right then, you lot, it's property vote time.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36Do you prefer the properties in New Zealand or the properties back home?
0:17:36 > 0:17:40Ready? Three, two, one, vote!
0:17:40 > 0:17:41New Zealand!
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- UK!- UK!- UK!
0:17:43 > 0:17:45It's a 50-50 split!
0:17:45 > 0:17:50Looks like Mum and Dad had their work cut out convincing the children.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56After trying out life in New Plymouth in 2008,
0:17:56 > 0:18:01the Cummings family had to weigh up the most important decision of their lives.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05Did they take the plunge and move Down Under or did they stay in the UK?
0:18:05 > 0:18:08So, where are the Cummings family in 2010?
0:18:08 > 0:18:11New Zealand!
0:18:11 > 0:18:15They've bought a house five minutes from the bustling centre of New Plymouth.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19It's a dramatic change from the country homes they dreamt of,
0:18:19 > 0:18:24but it's surrounded by forests and has enough outdoor space to keep those energetic boys happy.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27So, let's get inside and have a look.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Hi! Welcome to New Plymouth, welcome to our home.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Come on in and I'll show you around.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35It's a three-bed wooden home
0:18:35 > 0:18:37split over two levels that they bought on arrival
0:18:37 > 0:18:40only nine months ago for £185,000.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44They've had to make an extra bedroom for Sarah in the office
0:18:44 > 0:18:48but have a great living area, den for the kids
0:18:48 > 0:18:52and the all-important outside space with decking,
0:18:52 > 0:18:57a balcony, a good-sized garden, but it's work in progress.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01When we first came here, the kitchen was, erm...
0:19:01 > 0:19:02Well, there was a brick...
0:19:02 > 0:19:06There was a wall all the way up here, so we've basically taken that down
0:19:06 > 0:19:09and made it sort of open-plan just to try and get a...
0:19:09 > 0:19:13more of a family feel going on in the room, it was very, very separated.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- But we've got a lot of work to do, haven't we?- Yeah.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19You'd hardly notice they were so close to the city.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22It's really nice in the summer, cos we can...
0:19:22 > 0:19:23All these windows slide back
0:19:23 > 0:19:30so you feel like you're living amongst the trees because we're living on the first floor.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Outside, there's a great entertaining area.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35We've got the decking outside
0:19:35 > 0:19:39with the table and chairs as well. We haven't got to use those yet,
0:19:39 > 0:19:44having moved here sort of in the winter time it's been raining, but it's...
0:19:44 > 0:19:47We're looking forward to the summer, which is just around the corner.
0:19:47 > 0:19:53Sarah's made the downstairs study her own space, whilst upstairs Joanne's room has a beautiful view.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Even Gareth and Stuart seem more relaxed here.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00Hello, this is mine and Stuart's room.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05And North Island life certainly seems to suit them.
0:20:05 > 0:20:11The environment back in the UK is to protect and to wrap them up in cotton wool kind of thing
0:20:11 > 0:20:17and for children like Stuart and Gareth that have just got so much energy, that was suffocating,
0:20:17 > 0:20:23whereas here, they're celebrated. It's been the best thing that's ever happened to them.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28Mum and Dad's room is a haven of peace and quiet.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32It's beautiful in the morning. You wake up, you sit up and you look out of the window
0:20:32 > 0:20:34and just listen to the morning. It's fabulous.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39We've got our own balcony, so eventually we'll have a little chair out there,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42have our morning cup of coffee watching the birds.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46Sarah was the family's main concern, so how has she settled in?
0:20:46 > 0:20:50She has a good group of friends and she loves being here
0:20:50 > 0:20:53but she does miss her family back home.
0:20:53 > 0:21:01The make-up and hoop earrings and a lot of the things that were starting to creep in, I felt, too soon,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04that's gone. So they're all allowed to be young girls.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06They're not trying to be older than they are,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08which is really quite refreshing.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11But there's no way of stopping her from growing up.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15One thing that scares me is Sarah could learn to drive in two years' time.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Yeah! Don't go there.
0:21:17 > 0:21:18SHE LAUGHS
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Does anyone know where to get a big bumper car?
0:21:26 > 0:21:30Originally, we thought we'd want to go to the countryside, you know,
0:21:30 > 0:21:32and we didn't want to be in the town
0:21:32 > 0:21:34but if you just have a listen...
0:21:34 > 0:21:37DOG BARKS, BIRDS WHISTLE
0:21:37 > 0:21:41Now, we're five minutes from town - we're in town.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44And we are in the country as well, which is... It's brilliant.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47But being so close to the city comes at an unexpected price.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52Unfortunately, the only downside is that it was more expensive to buy in the town,
0:21:52 > 0:21:56so we got less physically, the house,
0:21:56 > 0:22:00than we would have really wanted. We really wanted a four-bedroom,
0:22:00 > 0:22:03so we've gone back in the property ladder in a way.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07They were desperate to get to New Zealand so sold their UK home for £140,000,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10much less than they'd hoped.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13Whilst they planned to buy a new property outright,
0:22:13 > 0:22:15it hasn't turned out that way.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Property, especially in New Plymouth,
0:22:17 > 0:22:20is a lot more expensive than we anticipated.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24So, not only did we lose money on the house but we've also had to get a mortgage
0:22:24 > 0:22:27and the house we bought does need a lot of work,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30so I've gone back to work sort of three, four days a week,
0:22:30 > 0:22:33which leaves Doug to look after the children at the weekend!
0:22:33 > 0:22:36The cost of leaving friends and family back in the UK
0:22:36 > 0:22:38has been hard on Sarah.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Sarah, although she won't admit it,
0:22:41 > 0:22:43she's a bit of an emotional wreck at times.
0:22:43 > 0:22:49I mean, she misses my mum and dad, she misses, like, Laura's mum and dad, she misses the family.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51She really misses her friends.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53But they've all felt the distance.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57Whenever anybody from home rings,
0:22:57 > 0:23:00and we speak to our family, like, every week,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03something just fires in your heart
0:23:03 > 0:23:07and you just get this, "Oh! I really miss them!"
0:23:07 > 0:23:12And then you kind of just have to get back on with life, sort of thing, don't you?
0:23:12 > 0:23:14But it has been hard, there's been a...
0:23:14 > 0:23:18Especially me, I've had a couple of moments, where I've been, "Oh, my goodness!"
0:23:18 > 0:23:24That's what you've sacrificed to come here and I think that...
0:23:24 > 0:23:26That is so... It's so hard.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30Fingers crossed that the sadness of leaving loved ones behind
0:23:30 > 0:23:32diminishes with time.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39If you're thinking of moving to New Zealand,
0:23:39 > 0:23:43remember it's not just the lifestyle you'll need to research.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45There's the small matter of a job, too.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48There's a points system in existence,
0:23:48 > 0:23:53with different skills, qualifications and other factors bringing different scores.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57Going through an immigration expert is the most straightforward way to apply
0:23:57 > 0:24:02as they can help calculate your points, advise you where your skills are most wanted
0:24:02 > 0:24:05and process your application. You'll be earning New Zealand dollars,
0:24:05 > 0:24:08so most can expect a wage drop,
0:24:08 > 0:24:13but if you can get the all-important work-life balance right,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16you might just find you've made the best move of your life.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Back in 2008, the children were up early playing doctors and nurses.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Dougie's blood pressure was on the up.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24He was on his way to try out the job
0:24:24 > 0:24:28that could have provided the all-important lifestyle they wanted.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32Today's quite important because, basically since leaving school,
0:24:32 > 0:24:36I've only had one employer, apart from Dounreay,
0:24:36 > 0:24:40and that's been the Royal Navy, so it's quite nerve-wracking today.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43But I'm going to get as much information as I can
0:24:43 > 0:24:48and see what work they've got here and what they're after.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50- Bye, Dad!- Bye, kiddies.- Bye!
0:24:50 > 0:24:52While Dougie was at work,
0:24:52 > 0:24:56Mum and the children decided to check out the coast around New Plymouth
0:24:56 > 0:24:58in an old lifeboat.
0:24:58 > 0:25:04It gave them a chance to mull over their big decision, that's if Gareth could find his sea legs!
0:25:04 > 0:25:08Come on, you'll be safe. Hold my hand and I'll look after you.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12He was a little bit frightened. Never done this sort of thing before,
0:25:12 > 0:25:14so this is a bit of a new challenge, innit, Gareth?
0:25:14 > 0:25:16I don't want to do this.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19I know, darling. Don't worry, it'll be fine.
0:25:20 > 0:25:21Dougie was just as nervous,
0:25:21 > 0:25:27as he was keen to make a good impression on his first day in the gas production industry.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Morning. Mark Hatch, Transfield Worley.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- How are you doing? - Welcome to New Zealand.- Thanks.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35Today, we're going to Methanex. It's one of our clients' plants.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39They're recommissioning one of their chemical methanol plants.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Dougie was being tested as an electrical engineer
0:25:43 > 0:25:48at one of New Zealand's biggest gas processing plants and safety was all-important.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53It was an alien environment for him, he was used to large naval vessels
0:25:53 > 0:25:58but the scale and complexity of the engineering there was daunting.
0:25:59 > 0:26:04In the Master Control Room, Mark needed to find out how easily Dougie would understand the systems.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08Doug, we're in the final stages of commissioning at the moment.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11I guess there's parallels to what you've done in the Navy?
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Perhaps go through what you'd do to recommission a new piece of equipment
0:26:15 > 0:26:17and how it compares to what we're doing.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20We've got a trials group that would deal with checking equipment
0:26:20 > 0:26:23and what they do is they look at this valve here...
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- Yeah.- ..and they'd check that it was correctly installed,
0:26:26 > 0:26:30it's got the correct wiring, check out the wiring continuities.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33He seemed to know his stuff. No alarm bells ringing yet.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36That's very similar to what we're doing here.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- SIREN WAILS - No, it's not an emergency!
0:26:39 > 0:26:42But back in 2008, it was time to launch the lifeboat
0:26:42 > 0:26:47so that Laura and the kids could explore the local coastline.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49ALL: Wheeee!
0:26:49 > 0:26:53- I told you!- Because of the nature of what we're doing,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56I'll take you round the harbour and get the wee lad familiar with it.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Are you ready to go out in the waves?
0:26:58 > 0:27:00ALL: Yeah!
0:27:00 > 0:27:02- Because there's lots of seals there. - Yeah!
0:27:02 > 0:27:07Perhaps the idea of watching seals would distract Gareth from the big waves.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13Good boy! Welcome back, Gareth.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18As little Gareth relaxed, Laura's thoughts turn to Dougie's job,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21and the important challenge of making ends meet.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24We're probably going to get less for our house than we really wanted,
0:27:24 > 0:27:28so that's going to need to be topped up with a monthly wage
0:27:28 > 0:27:30in case we have to get a mortgage.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34So, it's really important for Doug today because, obviously,
0:27:34 > 0:27:36us emigrating depends on him getting a job.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38While Laura headed out to sea,
0:27:38 > 0:27:42Mark wanted to know how well Dougie worked with other engineers.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45We might set you a bit of a test to see if you can help us with it.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47- DOUG LAUGHS - Oh.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52It looked like he was in for a rough ride and he's not the only one.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59It wasn't long before they got to the seal colony.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01- See over here?- Yeah.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03Oh, yeah, right up on the top.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07See those holes there? They're actually puffin bird holes.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Oh, look at 'em all. Look!
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Wow!
0:28:12 > 0:28:17- Wow, look at that. What do you think about the seals then, guys?- Cool.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19- Cool.- Did you see many?
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:28:22 > 0:28:24It was crunch time for Dougie.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29He'd been taken to the far side of the gas production plant
0:28:29 > 0:28:33to perform a remote electrical test with the control room.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36Doug, what I'd like you to do is give Steve a call-up on the radio,
0:28:36 > 0:28:40tell them we're ready to a loop check and see if we can do it.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Steve, this is Doug. Radio check, over.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45Control room to Doug.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47OK, I've got you loud and clear.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51Are we ready to go for a check on this valve?
0:28:51 > 0:28:52Yeah, hi, Doug.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56We just want to do a check on pressure control 02100, please.
0:28:56 > 0:29:03For the safety of the plant it was crucial Dougie knew how to take accurate measurements like this.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07And 0 is correct, 50 bar.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10So, how did Mark think he was doing?
0:29:10 > 0:29:12I think he's doing a fantastic job.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16He was good in the control room, knew his way round the DCS screens, loop calibrations,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19and in the field he's done all the right things with the loop checking,
0:29:19 > 0:29:23worked well with Steve. I think he'll fit in well with us.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26- 02100 complete.- Roger and out.
0:29:26 > 0:29:27Thank you.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31That's great, Doug. Excellent.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Dougie had impressed them,
0:29:33 > 0:29:38but could he see himself working in this very unfamiliar gas industry?
0:29:38 > 0:29:40As the family headed back, it was time for Dougie
0:29:40 > 0:29:43to vote on whether he found the job a gas - ha, joke!
0:29:45 > 0:29:46I've had a fantastic day today.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49I've learnt lots about the oil and gas industry over here
0:29:49 > 0:29:53and if I had to vote for working here or the UK,
0:29:53 > 0:29:54my answer would be -
0:29:54 > 0:29:56New Zealand.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00It's a year on
0:30:00 > 0:30:02and whilst Dougie's already at work,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Laura has to contend with the usual pre-school debates.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08What have you got round your ankle? Take that off, please.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- What, you're allowed it at school. - No, take it off, please.
0:30:11 > 0:30:12- Ankle chain?- Thank you.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Give me that, please.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16No, because you'll end up wearing it at school.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18Wear it when you come home.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20You don't want to wear an ankle chain?
0:30:20 > 0:30:22THEY LAUGH
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Laura's got time to take the boys to school.
0:30:29 > 0:30:30Come on then, up you go.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35She's even gained a few of the neighbours' children in the process but it's hard going.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38This is good for the old calf muscles!
0:30:38 > 0:30:40SHE LAUGHS
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Gets the heart beating fast, doesn't it, pumpkin?
0:30:44 > 0:30:49In town, Dougie's taken up the job offer with the company he tried out with last year,
0:30:49 > 0:30:53and is now a project manager on about £40,000.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56He's taken the skills he gained with the Navy and has transferred them
0:30:56 > 0:31:00to working in the oil and gas industry in New Zealand.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03So, has it been a tough transition to make?
0:31:03 > 0:31:04It's been quite a challenge.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07For me, it was quite a new move to the oil and gas
0:31:07 > 0:31:09and it can be quite sink-or-swim.
0:31:09 > 0:31:16It's all new work for me, it's all new stuff and the regulations aren't the same as the UK.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20It's subtle differences which can drop you in it if you're not careful,
0:31:20 > 0:31:22so I've had to learn a lot more.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26And he's discovered something surprising about the New Zealand work ethic.
0:31:26 > 0:31:27People work hard.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29I mean, people in New Zealand...
0:31:29 > 0:31:34I don't think people appreciate, they work very hard, this work-life balance.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36They expect you to work for your money!
0:31:36 > 0:31:41After missing out on so much of the children's early life whilst in the Navy,
0:31:41 > 0:31:46has moving to New Zealand given him the chance to spend more time with the family?
0:31:46 > 0:31:50I've got home every evening for nine months and it's brilliant, you know?
0:31:50 > 0:31:52I get to put the kids to bed,
0:31:52 > 0:31:56I get to shout at them and moan about the mess they're making. All the, like...
0:31:56 > 0:31:57It's like being a real dad!
0:31:57 > 0:32:01But not everything's been such a happy discovery.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03It is quite expensive to live in New Zealand.
0:32:03 > 0:32:08We thought it would be a cheaper lifestyle, but it's not.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10I mean, petrol's cheap as chips,
0:32:12 > 0:32:18but food is more expensive and with four kids we go through a lot of food in our house.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22Laura's working, we didn't think she'd be working or have to work
0:32:22 > 0:32:25but she's enjoying it, she's got a bit of independence.
0:32:25 > 0:32:30Just down the road, Laura's taken to the workplace like she'd never left.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35When I was younger I went to hotel management college and worked in hotels for many, many years
0:32:35 > 0:32:38until I had my family and then I left the hotel industry,
0:32:38 > 0:32:43so I'm just absolutely delighted to be able to be back doing a job that I love
0:32:43 > 0:32:46in an industry that I really enjoy being a part of.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50Working three days a week was essential to boost their finances
0:32:50 > 0:32:54to help establish the family in the city life they decided upon.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57We really wanted a home in the countryside,
0:32:57 > 0:33:00but when we rented first here in the town
0:33:00 > 0:33:04we just began to appreciate how everything was on the doorstep.
0:33:04 > 0:33:09Obviously living within the Central Business District property prices are at a premium,
0:33:09 > 0:33:14so what we did really was get the best house that we could afford so we did have to get a mortgage.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17For the Cummings family the transition from the UK
0:33:17 > 0:33:20to New Zealand was aided by the great deal they were offered.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24It was a dream come true for us when we got back to the UK
0:33:24 > 0:33:29and Transfield basically emailed us with an entire relocation package.
0:33:29 > 0:33:35We couldn't believe it. Basically, they paid for us to come here.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Our flights were paid for,
0:33:38 > 0:33:41the container ship was paid for,
0:33:41 > 0:33:45so we are obviously contracted to Transfield.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50If we were to leave within a two-year period then we would have to pay all that back.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53So they have to stay with the job for two years.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57Dougie seems happy for the time being and let's hope it stays that way.
0:34:01 > 0:34:08Back in 2008 the Cummings family from the far north of Scotland were looking for a new start
0:34:08 > 0:34:12on the dramatic west coast of New Zealand's North Island after Dougie had left the Navy.
0:34:12 > 0:34:18They had a trial week Down Under to sample what was to become their new life.
0:34:18 > 0:34:25Having made the move they've settled into a home they love, but daughter Sarah remains unconvinced.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27She does miss her family back home.
0:34:27 > 0:34:32Did they make the right decision? Given the chance, would they make the same choice again?
0:34:37 > 0:34:43Emigrating to New Zealand could offer your family the opportunity to maximise the outdoor lifestyle,
0:34:43 > 0:34:48but in 2008 the Cummings' trip Down Under was still hampered by rain.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52Everyone said before we came out, "Don't forget it's winter and it'll be damp,"
0:34:52 > 0:34:54but I was hoping would be nice!
0:34:54 > 0:34:57My impression of New Zealand weather at the moment
0:34:57 > 0:35:01is it's... It's just like what I've left behind at home.
0:35:01 > 0:35:07They'd hoped to encourage the children in Egmont National Park with a walk to Goblin Forest,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10but high up in the mountains they were almost in the clouds
0:35:10 > 0:35:12and it was more like a tropical rainforest.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17Back in Scotland they were a family that loved the outdoors,
0:35:17 > 0:35:22but the wet walk here proved heavy going for everybody, even Dougie.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29At least Mum was putting on a brave face.
0:35:29 > 0:35:34Apart from the rain and the cold it's pretty beautiful, isn't it, walking through the forest?
0:35:34 > 0:35:37It's lovely.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42It didn't take long for the boys to get into the spirit of Goblin Forest.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Oh, there's a goblin in the bush. Look, he's moving!
0:35:45 > 0:35:46Arghhh!
0:35:46 > 0:35:48LAUGHTER
0:35:48 > 0:35:50Crazy!
0:35:50 > 0:35:51They're all crazy.
0:35:51 > 0:35:56As the walk continued the beauty of the woods still hadn't convinced Sarah.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59Because I've got it all back home.
0:35:59 > 0:36:04I've got the forest and the boats and all that sort of stuff.
0:36:04 > 0:36:09I've got it all, so what's the point in coming here just to get exactly the same?
0:36:11 > 0:36:16The weather was making even Laura uncertain about the move.
0:36:16 > 0:36:17You can see we're tired.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21It's been quite intense and we've done a lot of things this week.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25But, I don't know, there's a pressure I think to try and make a decision
0:36:25 > 0:36:29as to what we want to do and I'm finding that quite challenging.
0:36:30 > 0:36:37You know, I didn't fly to the other side of the world to be freezing cold and wet!
0:36:37 > 0:36:42I really felt that I would come out here and it would be 100% yes, or no,
0:36:42 > 0:36:47but I must admit today if I had to make a decision it would be to stay at home.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49Yay!
0:36:49 > 0:36:53It's a once in a lifetime thing, she's listening to us!
0:36:53 > 0:36:58So, back in 2008 how did they all vote on the New Zealand lifestyle?
0:36:58 > 0:37:04All right then, crazy gang, all in all, do we like the lifestyle in New Zealand or UK?
0:37:04 > 0:37:07We're going to vote, three, two, one.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- New Zealand.- Both.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11OK, so what have we got?
0:37:12 > 0:37:16We've got two New Zealand, three UK and one half and half.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19So, youngest daughter Jo couldn't make her mind up
0:37:19 > 0:37:23and the rest of the family were split down the middle,
0:37:23 > 0:37:25but their spirits were still surprisingly high.
0:37:28 > 0:37:33Now, having made the massive move to New Zealand, how are the Cummings enjoying their new life?
0:37:33 > 0:37:39While Dougie's at work Laura has taken the clan on a typical after-school trip to the beach.
0:37:39 > 0:37:44This is our favourite beach. It's just absolutely breathtaking here.
0:37:44 > 0:37:49We had wonderful beaches in Caithness and we did go there an awful lot, but,
0:37:49 > 0:37:52I don't know, it's just so beautiful with the sunshine
0:37:52 > 0:37:56and the blueness of the sea and it's just lovely down here.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00Sunshine, well, that's a definite improvement on last year's day trip!
0:38:00 > 0:38:03So, are they making the most of the outdoor life in New Zealand?
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Our children have always been very outdoorsy anyway.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09They've always liked coming down the beach and going for walks
0:38:09 > 0:38:13and cycling, that kind of thing, but here there's just more opportunities.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17The active lifestyle is encouraged in the school curriculum, too.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21The girls are doing kayaking. At Sarah's school they're doing sailing.
0:38:21 > 0:38:27They do at least four hours every week, plus additional sports after school.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Do you mind, young man?
0:38:31 > 0:38:33They're throwing sand!
0:38:33 > 0:38:35No, don't throw sand, please. You mustn't do that.
0:38:35 > 0:38:40Well, it looks like the twins are as energetic as ever.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43It's been the making of Stuart and Gareth.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45They can just go out on their bicycles.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47All their energy they can just...
0:38:47 > 0:38:49Just use, you know, naturally.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53And they do, they go bike riding, they go walking, we come down the beach.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56There's just something on offer all the time
0:38:56 > 0:38:59for them to channel their energies into,
0:38:59 > 0:39:01so it's just been fantastic for them.
0:39:01 > 0:39:07Before the Cummings made the move to New Zealand Sarah was desperate to stay in the UK.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12Worried about leaving her best friend Chloe seemed too much to contemplate.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16New Zealand's OK, I guess. It was OK to begin with.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Like, I didn't have that many friends, but then after a couple of days
0:39:19 > 0:39:23they all came round and started being really friendly with me
0:39:23 > 0:39:27and I didn't feel like the odd one out because I was Scottish, English, whatever.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31In New Zealand Sarah has made some close friendships
0:39:31 > 0:39:34and she spends a lot of time with classmate Crystal.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37I met her, in class. She's in the same class as me.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41On the first day we were, like, instantly, like, really good friends
0:39:41 > 0:39:43and we've kind of like, become, like, that.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47So, how did she cope with leaving the UK and everyone there behind?
0:39:47 > 0:39:52When dad got the job and told us that we were coming here
0:39:52 > 0:39:57I had a few strops and a couple of other things like that, but...
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- You were unhappy. - Yes, I was very unhappy.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03I'd love to visit the UK again,
0:40:03 > 0:40:06just to compare now that I've tried this life again.
0:40:06 > 0:40:12While Sarah still has mixed feelings, Jo seems a lot more convinced by life in New Zealand.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15I don't think I could ever go back and live now. Here's, like...
0:40:15 > 0:40:19You're, like, free to do whatever you want, basically.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22But Sarah understands the move has been positive for Doug and Laura.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25Mum and Dad are, like, getting on really well now.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29I think they love it because there's, like, loads for them to do as well,
0:40:29 > 0:40:35like taking the dogs for walks and they've all got, like, really good jobs now and all that.
0:40:44 > 0:40:49Back in 2008 the Cummings had been invited by Dougie's potential boss Mark and his family
0:40:49 > 0:40:52to support the local team in a rugby match.
0:40:56 > 0:41:03It was a chance not only to witness the razzmatazz of the game, but to see how well everyone got on.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07Do you get much chance to go to the games?
0:41:07 > 0:41:10I've been to most home games this year. They're really good.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Is it expensive or quite reasonable?
0:41:12 > 0:41:17You can get a ground admission ticket for about 12 bucks or sit up here for about 24.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19It's not bad. Really good, actually.
0:41:19 > 0:41:26After doubts about the weather, the stadium atmosphere was starting to bring Laura back on side.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29Everything's becoming more alive, more real, you know?
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Sort of becoming a part of things now. It feels good.
0:41:35 > 0:41:36Yes!
0:41:38 > 0:41:41It's fantastic. You can't beat live rugby, all the violence on the pitch,
0:41:41 > 0:41:47the kids are being fed, excellent company and we're huddling up nice to keep warm!
0:41:49 > 0:41:54Most importantly, Sarah seemed to be getting on well with Mark's daughter.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Are you warming up to it a little bit, Sarah? Just a little bit?
0:41:57 > 0:42:02- A little bit.- A teeny bit? A little bit? A teeny bit?
0:42:02 > 0:42:07- She's warming up to it a teeny bit! - It's a win!
0:42:08 > 0:42:12Taranaki won the match, but had Sarah been won over?
0:42:12 > 0:42:14It was time to vote.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18All right, crazy gang, what do you think about making friends in New Zealand?
0:42:18 > 0:42:20Is it easier in New Zealand or Britain?
0:42:20 > 0:42:23On three, two, one, now!
0:42:23 > 0:42:29- So, back in 2008 that was three votes for New Zealand, plus half a vote from Sarah.- Fantastic.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33It was the first time she didn't vote completely for the UK.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39One year on and whilst Sarah and the other children have made friends at school
0:42:39 > 0:42:46and Dougie's done the same at work, it's been Laura who's had to put herself out there to make friends.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48She's met up with Jill, a fellow Brit,
0:42:48 > 0:42:53who made the move at a similar time, but didn't arrive with high hopes.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57- You weren't that keen, were you? You were...- That was an understatement.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00I did not want to emigrate at all. No.
0:43:00 > 0:43:05So, husband's idea, husband's fault, but I have to say, begrudgingly, I actually do like it.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07- Yes.- So...- Yes.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10- And a lot of that was really thanks to Laura because, I mean...- Aw!
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Aw, I know, I can be nice!
0:43:12 > 0:43:14But she was my support network.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17They've explored life in this new country together.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20We just kind of discovered New Plymouth together, didn't we?
0:43:20 > 0:43:24We went to all the museums and went to the art galleries
0:43:24 > 0:43:27and we drove out and about, didn't we? And we went up the mountain.
0:43:27 > 0:43:30We were ladies that lunched quite frequently.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32We did. We went to lunch all the time.
0:43:32 > 0:43:36And then you got a job and she left me.
0:43:37 > 0:43:39But it's not been all fun.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43I'm quite lucky in the fact I've not had any homesickness at all.
0:43:43 > 0:43:44No, you're very lucky.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47- Unlike some. - Well, yeah, I know I've had a bit.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49But it has helped I think with our friendship
0:43:49 > 0:43:52because we've been able to talk to each other.
0:43:52 > 0:43:55I know I've talked to you when I've been feeling a bit low
0:43:55 > 0:44:00and it's just nice to have a pal, you know, that you can share things with.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03Despite forging close friendships quickly,
0:44:03 > 0:44:07Laura still feels pangs for loved ones back in the UK.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11I just wish I could scoop all my family up and bring them here,
0:44:11 > 0:44:16if I had just one wish or a million dollars,
0:44:16 > 0:44:18and then life would just be perfect.
0:44:22 > 0:44:28The Cummings had to face up to the prospect of leaving loved ones behind in the UK.
0:44:28 > 0:44:35Back in 2008 we showed them some recorded messages from their friends and family back home.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38Go on, Jo, play this film.
0:44:40 > 0:44:43Hi, Sarah and Joanne, it's your best friends here.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46Hope you're having a good time, but we'll miss you a lot.
0:44:46 > 0:44:50I hope you're enjoying New Zealand, you've went on about it often enough,
0:44:50 > 0:44:53and I'm really going to miss you if you go.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57For me he's always just been Dougie, he's an adventurer.
0:44:57 > 0:45:00That's a part of his mental make up.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03He's done what he set out to do,
0:45:03 > 0:45:06has a family, married a smashing girl.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10Laura is... She's the type of person that you just can't dislike.
0:45:10 > 0:45:11She's just too nice.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13Oh, bless.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16She's just too bubbly and too happy and she gets on with everybody.
0:45:16 > 0:45:20The only person I think it would really affect
0:45:20 > 0:45:23is their eldest granddaughter, Sarah.
0:45:23 > 0:45:27I think she has expressed comments that
0:45:27 > 0:45:32she may not like the thought of going out there.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34I love having the children around.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40- But we will see them, they're not going to the moon.- Yeah.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43We shall go out hopefully every third year or something.
0:45:43 > 0:45:46Yeah. It's not the same as popping round for coffee or...
0:45:46 > 0:45:49But it's true, it's not the same as just coming round. It's true.
0:45:49 > 0:45:54Basically, we don't want him not doing something
0:45:54 > 0:45:59that he really wants to do because of us,
0:45:59 > 0:46:02because we don't want him to spend the rest of his life
0:46:02 > 0:46:07sort of with this little thing in his mind that says, I could have done it, but didn't.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09I'll really miss you, you know,
0:46:09 > 0:46:12if you decide to go to New Zealand,
0:46:12 > 0:46:14but, you know, you will always...
0:46:17 > 0:46:19I just miss you, Laura.
0:46:21 > 0:46:23Sorry.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27Nana and granddad love you very much indeed.
0:46:27 > 0:46:31You know very well that grandma and granddad
0:46:31 > 0:46:33would miss you extreme... A lot.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37And I am sure that everything will work out.
0:46:37 > 0:46:42Whatever you decide to do we're with you 100%.
0:46:48 > 0:46:55Laura and Doug, if you decide to go then we're all very happy for you.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58I don't want you to go.
0:47:01 > 0:47:03I'll miss you loads.
0:47:05 > 0:47:07That's it.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09I can't do any more, sorry.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14There's a lot of love going around.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16It's... It's hard.
0:47:17 > 0:47:22It's hard to imagine a day-to-day existence, you know, not seeing them.
0:47:22 > 0:47:27Are you a bit upset, baby? Oh, sweetie!
0:47:27 > 0:47:29Oh, honey.
0:47:33 > 0:47:37A year on and the family have made a life for themselves in New Plymouth,
0:47:37 > 0:47:43but being separated from those they left behind never gets any easier.
0:47:43 > 0:47:46As they settle down to watch a new set of messages,
0:47:46 > 0:47:48you may notice someone is missing.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51Sarah, as you may notice, isn't here.
0:47:51 > 0:47:56We asked the Sarah to sit with us to watch this, but you just found it too much.
0:47:56 > 0:47:59But this was what made the decision so hard.
0:47:59 > 0:48:04If it was just a case of do you live in the UK or do you live in New Zealand, then I mean, there's...
0:48:04 > 0:48:06You know, there's... It wouldn't be a problem.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09It's do you leave your family to live in New Zealand?
0:48:09 > 0:48:17So, to see messages from them is bound to be quite raw, isn't it, you know? Because we miss them.
0:48:17 > 0:48:18We do miss them.
0:48:18 > 0:48:20With emotions already running high
0:48:20 > 0:48:26it's time to see how their loved ones in the UK are coping without them.
0:48:26 > 0:48:28- Hi, gang! I hope you're all well. - Hi!
0:48:28 > 0:48:29Hi, gang!
0:48:29 > 0:48:35When Dougie said that they wanted to emigrate and they were thinking of New Zealand I cheered,
0:48:35 > 0:48:42because it's the chance of a better life for them and for the children.
0:48:42 > 0:48:46I wouldn't say I was worried for them, but I did feel at the time
0:48:46 > 0:48:51that they maybe hadn't researched it or been in the country for that long
0:48:51 > 0:48:55to have made the decision that they had made.
0:48:55 > 0:49:00The day prior to moving out of the country, or the night prior to moving out of the country,
0:49:00 > 0:49:02I took them down to Inverness to stay overnight
0:49:02 > 0:49:05and they were catching the plane the next morning.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09As I was leaving it was rather dramatic and traumatic, as well.
0:49:09 > 0:49:15I think Laura and the older children realised for the first time
0:49:15 > 0:49:17they were actually going away for a long time.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20I think it affected them,
0:49:20 > 0:49:23it affected me in the same way.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25It was horrendous.
0:49:25 > 0:49:28My heart just broke completely, didn't it?
0:49:28 > 0:49:32Saying goodbye to those children was the hardest thing I've ever done.
0:49:32 > 0:49:37I was just didn't think it was going to happen and then suddenly, you know,
0:49:37 > 0:49:41Christmas came and went and New Year and then it was they were gone,
0:49:42 > 0:49:47so it was quite a sad... A very sad time.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50There didn't seem to be a permanency to it at the time.
0:49:50 > 0:49:55It was almost as if they were just going off for a couple of months on a really fantastic holiday.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58It was only really... March, April time this year
0:49:58 > 0:50:02that we first sort of really realised that they weren't actually coming back.
0:50:02 > 0:50:05Everything you miss about them, you know?
0:50:05 > 0:50:09The pile of pillows you had to clear up after they'd gone,
0:50:09 > 0:50:12the sweet wrappers that you had to dig out
0:50:12 > 0:50:14from under the furniture after they'd gone.
0:50:14 > 0:50:17It's all the things that made you smile.
0:50:17 > 0:50:23I miss them coming round all the time and just not seeing them grow up
0:50:23 > 0:50:29because, you know, we used to go and see their sports days and...
0:50:29 > 0:50:32at schools and that and you just can't do any of that now.
0:50:32 > 0:50:37We won't be able to be a part of their growing up.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39We both feel they made the right decision.
0:50:39 > 0:50:44They really seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, which is absolutely fantastic,
0:50:44 > 0:50:48and that was one thing that was concerning me, especially with Sarah
0:50:48 > 0:50:54because she was the one that seemed to be really upset and didn't appear to want to go.
0:50:54 > 0:50:56She says she misses us, which is nice.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02I want you to know we love you and miss you loads. See you soon, bye.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07I hope to see you when you come back in 2011,
0:51:07 > 0:51:11although it seems quite a long time! Take care. Bye.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14We're obviously missing you still.
0:51:14 > 0:51:19We're looking forward to seeing you end of October, can't wait for it.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21Look after yourselves
0:51:21 > 0:51:23and I'll pass you on to Granny now.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25And Granny's going to fly!
0:51:25 > 0:51:27Ah ha! We're making your mother fly!
0:51:27 > 0:51:29Bye.
0:51:30 > 0:51:32Oh, that was lovely.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35I actually enjoyed that. It didn't make me feel upset.
0:51:35 > 0:51:39- That just made me really look forward to seeing them soon.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:51:40 > 0:51:45Even though you have your times where you really miss your family, we speak all the time.
0:51:45 > 0:51:49They know everything we're doing and we know everything they're doing.
0:51:49 > 0:51:53And I'm just so looking forward to seeing them next year.
0:51:53 > 0:51:55Really, really can't wait.
0:51:57 > 0:51:58And how was it for Jo?
0:51:58 > 0:52:04- A bit sad to begin with, but then there were smiles, so it's all right.- That's fair.
0:52:04 > 0:52:09So, with such a positive reaction to the messages, how did they think Sarah would have coped?
0:52:09 > 0:52:13Sarah doesn't like change, so...
0:52:13 > 0:52:18And she finds it really hard to leave something or let something go
0:52:18 > 0:52:22so I think she would just find it too upsetting.
0:52:22 > 0:52:26I think she just finds it easier to not think about home
0:52:26 > 0:52:29because I think she's frightened of dealing with the emotions
0:52:29 > 0:52:33that come along with thinking about everything, everybody back home.
0:52:33 > 0:52:40So, rather than face them she just tends to put them to one side rather than face the feelings.
0:52:40 > 0:52:46And I think deep down she realises that we made this move for their future.
0:52:46 > 0:52:52So, for the Cummings family it looks like the future is looking bright.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55I think, really, the only expectation or the only thing
0:52:55 > 0:53:00I wanted to achieve from this move was the happiness of the family.
0:53:00 > 0:53:04You don't want to live your life and then when you're too old to do something like this
0:53:04 > 0:53:08to look back and say, "What if...", or "I wish", you know?
0:53:08 > 0:53:11It's too late. You get one go at this, yeah?
0:53:11 > 0:53:18And if... We've had a chance to make a difference to our kids' lives, there is a cost,
0:53:18 > 0:53:20but I think it's worth it.
0:53:24 > 0:53:29Back in 2008 the trial week was a revelation for the Cummings family.
0:53:29 > 0:53:35Both Dougie and Laura started enthusiastically and the houses never failed to impress them.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37That is gorgeous.
0:53:38 > 0:53:40Oh, my goodness!
0:53:40 > 0:53:43But the weather make them question their determination to make the move.
0:53:43 > 0:53:48I didn't fly to the other side of the world to be freezing cold and wet.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52All along it was older daughter Sarah who needed convincing.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54Because I've got it all back home.
0:53:54 > 0:54:00I've got the forest and the boats and all that sort of stuff.
0:54:00 > 0:54:04I've got it all, so what's the point in coming here just to get exactly the same?
0:54:04 > 0:54:08Back in 2008 they considered all their feelings for their final vote,
0:54:08 > 0:54:12it was Mum Laura who found it hardest to decide.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15When you're in a, no, I don't really want to emigrate mood,
0:54:15 > 0:54:21you kind of look for reasons not to go and obviously not having a job and having to find a job
0:54:21 > 0:54:26would have been a big reason to sort of delay us emigrating.
0:54:26 > 0:54:33But to have a job offer there makes you think, "Oh, gosh, is this fate?"
0:54:33 > 0:54:35Is this saying, "Well, give it a go"?
0:54:35 > 0:54:39As the sun finally came out it was big decision time.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41Were the Cummings going to come?
0:54:41 > 0:54:45So, you've had a week in beautiful New Plymouth in New Zealand.
0:54:45 > 0:54:47We've all had a wonderful time.
0:54:47 > 0:54:49Three, two, one.
0:54:49 > 0:54:50UK.
0:54:50 > 0:54:53- Middle.- UK.- UK.
0:54:53 > 0:54:56- New Zealand.- Half and half.
0:54:59 > 0:55:04So, back in 2008 it was only Dougie with a full New Zealand vote,
0:55:04 > 0:55:08three votes for the UK and Gareth and Laura were still undecided.
0:55:08 > 0:55:12Despite the split vote they still made the move.
0:55:12 > 0:55:16Dougie's settled into his new role, but it hasn't been easy.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19People work hard. I mean, people in New Zealand, I don't think
0:55:19 > 0:55:24people appreciate, they work very hard, this work-life balance.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27And Laura occasionally feels homesick.
0:55:27 > 0:55:31I just wish I could scoop all my family up and bring them here.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34Sarah's still torn.
0:55:34 > 0:55:40I'd love to visit the UK again just to compare now that I've tried this life again.
0:55:40 > 0:55:46There are still big questions over their 2008 decision to emigrate,
0:55:46 > 0:55:48so in 2009 will their votes change?
0:55:48 > 0:55:52Right then, crazy gang, it's final vote time.
0:55:52 > 0:55:55Are we going to vote for New Zealand or the UK?
0:55:55 > 0:55:56Ready, vote now!
0:55:59 > 0:56:02Well, I think that's a majority, isn't it? Yeah?
0:56:02 > 0:56:04Sarah, are you still half and half?
0:56:04 > 0:56:09So, life in New Zealand hasn't persuaded everyone.
0:56:09 > 0:56:14The Cummings have made the move to New Plymouth and, despite how hard it's been,
0:56:14 > 0:56:17Laura and Dougie feel it was the right thing to do.
0:56:17 > 0:56:25The children seem to have settled in very well, but Sarah still misses her life in the UK.
0:56:25 > 0:56:33Join us again next time when we catch up with another family on Wanted Down Under Revisited.
0:56:41 > 0:56:44Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:56:44 > 0:56:47Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk