0:44:50 > 0:44:57.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05If your dream of starting a new life on the other side of the world
0:45:05 > 0:45:08meant leaving behind one of your children,
0:45:08 > 0:45:10would you still make the move?
0:45:10 > 0:45:14That was the dilemma confronting the Taylor family back in 2009.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17Today, we're going to catch up with them
0:45:17 > 0:45:20to find out which choice they finally made.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25Teachers Vanessa and Phil Taylor
0:45:25 > 0:45:29had always dreamt of moving to New Zealand for a better family life.
0:45:29 > 0:45:33It will be difficult, but it's something I'm prepared to do.
0:45:33 > 0:45:37But their teenage children didn't share their enthusiasm.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40There's not really much around I can do.
0:45:40 > 0:45:42I don't really like it here.
0:45:42 > 0:45:43It's a massive decision,
0:45:43 > 0:45:46because I've got the option to stay behind and not go.
0:45:46 > 0:45:49And when we caught up with them a year later,
0:45:49 > 0:45:51their world had turned upside down.
0:45:51 > 0:45:55Things were going along smoothly, Christmas came and went.
0:45:55 > 0:46:00And a few weeks after that was the bombshell.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03Now we're visiting them again to find out
0:46:03 > 0:46:06if they were finally able to make the move down under.
0:46:29 > 0:46:34In 2009, the Taylor family faced the biggest decision of their lives -
0:46:34 > 0:46:38whether to stay in the UK or to move to New Zealand.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41We gave them a week to sample life down under.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44But what's happened since we last met them?
0:46:46 > 0:46:50Vanessa and Phil Taylor were living in Acklam in Middlesbrough
0:46:50 > 0:46:54with their three teenage children, Liam, Ryan and Megan.
0:46:55 > 0:47:00Full-time teachers Vanessa and Phil were disillusioned with life in the UK.
0:47:00 > 0:47:04They were desperate for a better work-life balance
0:47:04 > 0:47:07and greater opportunities for their children.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09When all comes to all, it's about lifestyle.
0:47:09 > 0:47:13Being a teacher, it's very busy and time-consuming.
0:47:13 > 0:47:18And it is, it's a lifestyle issue, that we seem to be working.
0:47:18 > 0:47:22We didn't seem to have a great deal of time for ourselves.
0:47:22 > 0:47:26Ryan and sister Megan were sold on the idea of New Zealand's outdoor lifestyle.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30I was quite excited at first because the immediate reaction,
0:47:30 > 0:47:34I put a connection between New Zealand and the New Zealand rugby team.
0:47:34 > 0:47:38I really love rugby, so it just kind of clicked straightaway.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40I hated it to start with.
0:47:40 > 0:47:44I didn't know anything about New Zealand being horse country,
0:47:44 > 0:47:45so I had no idea.
0:47:45 > 0:47:49I've researched about horses over there and Mum and Dad have said
0:47:49 > 0:47:52I might be able to get a horse while we're over there.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55So I'm feeling happy with that.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57But 17-year-old Liam was adamant
0:47:57 > 0:47:59he didn't want to leave his friends
0:47:59 > 0:48:03and his work with the St John's ambulance service.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06I'm 99.9% sure I won't go.
0:48:06 > 0:48:10I think I'm going to be the hardest one to convince to go to New Zealand.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13When it boils down to it,
0:48:13 > 0:48:17I think it'll be whether I'll be prepared to leave my family to stay here.
0:48:17 > 0:48:21Because I think they'll all make the decision to go in the end.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24I'm really hoping that it does convince him,
0:48:24 > 0:48:27because, well, if it doesn't, then...
0:48:27 > 0:48:29you know, what is there?
0:48:29 > 0:48:32He'll be staying here and we'll be 12,000 miles away.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40To help the Taylors decide where their future lay,
0:48:40 > 0:48:43they travelled 12,000 miles to Auckland in New Zealand.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50After a 32-hour flight, they arrived jetlagged
0:48:50 > 0:48:52and worried about their unknown future.
0:48:54 > 0:48:59I just can't wait to find out, really, what the place is all about.
0:49:03 > 0:49:08The Taylors stayed in the rural area of Piha, situated west of Auckland.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10Their first impressions were good.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14But there was a lot of work to do to convince Liam.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16It's amazing, isn't it?
0:49:16 > 0:49:19So considering this is your first hour,
0:49:19 > 0:49:23in New Zealand, it's not going too badly then, is it?
0:49:23 > 0:49:24No.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29- I'm sure I'll find something I dislike in a sec.- I'm sure you will!
0:49:35 > 0:49:39In the UK, the Taylors lived in a five-bedroom detached house in Middlesbrough.
0:49:39 > 0:49:42If they made the move to New Zealand,
0:49:42 > 0:49:45it would only be worth uprooting for a home of a similar size.
0:49:45 > 0:49:51In 2009, their home was on the market for £235,000.
0:49:51 > 0:49:55If their house sold for the asking price, they would have £100,000
0:49:55 > 0:49:59in equity to put towards their perfect property in New Zealand.
0:49:59 > 0:50:04We found three houses in Auckland to show them what they could afford.
0:50:04 > 0:50:08They started their search in the Waitakere area of West Auckland.
0:50:10 > 0:50:14Property one was a four-bedroom detached house.
0:50:14 > 0:50:19Would their first impressions of New Zealand homes live up to their hopes?
0:50:19 > 0:50:24It's a beautiful home in amongst bush. But not too far from anywhere.
0:50:24 > 0:50:25One of the other touches is,
0:50:25 > 0:50:29not only the bush surround, but magnificent views of the countryside.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31They are very, very pleasant.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34Come on through, we'll have a look at the bedrooms.
0:50:34 > 0:50:38Obviously for Mum and Dad. You've got your own patio area.
0:50:38 > 0:50:43- It's really pleasant. - So, how much is it, then?
0:50:43 > 0:50:46The property is on the market for 539,000.
0:50:46 > 0:50:49Obviously, the vendor will be negotiable.
0:50:49 > 0:50:53To what point, we don't know at this stage.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57- I like the location of this house. - Yes.
0:50:57 > 0:51:01I mean, the views, really, are great.
0:51:01 > 0:51:06But I'm not too keen on the inside of it, I have to say.
0:51:06 > 0:51:11Bedrooms are quite small. For five people, I don't think it's big enough.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15So, too small for the whole Taylor family.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17Would property two have the space they desired?
0:51:17 > 0:51:21Ten minutes away in the village of Riverhead, it was a do-up,
0:51:21 > 0:51:23which was Kiwi speak for rundown.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26Don't worry about your shoes, you can leave them on.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28As I've mentioned, this is a do-up,
0:51:28 > 0:51:30and you will appreciate as you walk through
0:51:30 > 0:51:32quite a bit of work needs to be done.
0:51:32 > 0:51:38The bathrooms need to be done up. Structurally, it's sound, it's fine.
0:51:38 > 0:51:42But certainly when it comes to presentation, you need to do some work.
0:51:42 > 0:51:46So, how much are you expecting this property to realise on the market?
0:51:46 > 0:51:50He would look at something in the region of 500, in the 500s.
0:51:50 > 0:51:56Is this damp smell that I'm smelling? What is it?
0:51:56 > 0:51:57It is a bit of a damp smell in here.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00You said it was structurally sound, but is there damp?
0:52:00 > 0:52:04Structurally, it is a concrete building.
0:52:04 > 0:52:06There won't be any problems with it structurally,
0:52:06 > 0:52:08but obviously the carpet and the drapes
0:52:08 > 0:52:12and things like that would have a fair bit of moisture in it.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15And I would think all that needs to be changed.
0:52:15 > 0:52:16It's such a poor layout,
0:52:16 > 0:52:19in terms of the way things are laid out,
0:52:19 > 0:52:22that I would take all of the interior walls out.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24So not the right house for the Taylors.
0:52:24 > 0:52:28This one definitely didn't persuade them to make the move.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31Further out of town, property three potentially had
0:52:31 > 0:52:33all they were looking for,
0:52:33 > 0:52:35with stunning views over the Kaipara harbour.
0:52:35 > 0:52:37But was it right for them?
0:52:37 > 0:52:41- This is quite nice, isn't it? - Yes, very nice.
0:52:41 > 0:52:43That's the boundary fence there,
0:52:43 > 0:52:48then you've got three paddocks here, two small ones in front of us,
0:52:48 > 0:52:50and up to the road there, a larger paddock towards the road.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53- So that part is ours? - It all belongs to this.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55It's got to be out of our price range!
0:52:55 > 0:52:58It's a four-bedroom house, on about 2.5 acres.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00Asking price of 699.
0:53:01 > 0:53:05- Sold!- Pardon? Sold! I like it, thank you!
0:53:07 > 0:53:09Vanessa and Phil were impressed with the property.
0:53:09 > 0:53:12It seemed to have something for the whole family.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15- Fifth bedroom.- Well, I'll have this, cos my horse can go in the corner,
0:53:15 > 0:53:19my bedroom can go here, I'll have a fridge over there.
0:53:19 > 0:53:24- It'll be quiet in there. - It's a massive amount of land.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26I'm sure you could make a bit flat enough
0:53:26 > 0:53:30and put a set of rugby posts to practice your kicking on.
0:53:30 > 0:53:32Or is that wishful thinking?!
0:53:32 > 0:53:36That property was far superior to the other two.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40So we're a bit happier about property in New Zealand now.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43Because that was pretty much perfect.
0:53:43 > 0:53:48This is much more the kind of thing that we had in mind.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51When you couple that with the view from the living room,
0:53:51 > 0:53:53it's pretty spectacular.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56They'd found their ideal home.
0:53:56 > 0:53:58But with a much higher asking price,
0:53:58 > 0:54:00it would have stretched their finances.
0:54:00 > 0:54:05How did they vote for property? New Zealand or the UK?
0:54:07 > 0:54:08Living on an estate in Middlesbrough
0:54:08 > 0:54:12where there are four or five designs of house that are the same,
0:54:12 > 0:54:16I would have to say that I prefer the individuality of New Zealand.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19The New Zealand houses just pipped the UK,
0:54:19 > 0:54:21so I'm going to choose New Zealand.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25My vote's going to have to be for New Zealand.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28New Zealand is my vote.
0:54:28 > 0:54:32Liam was adamant that New Zealand wasn't for him. So how did he vote?
0:54:32 > 0:54:36Because I'm kind of an outrageous kind of guy, I'm going to go for...
0:54:36 > 0:54:37New Zealand.
0:54:37 > 0:54:40Well, for property at least, the family were united,
0:54:40 > 0:54:42but that was only the first vote of the week.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44Greater challenges lay ahead.
0:54:50 > 0:54:53Back in the UK, Vanessa had been teaching food technology
0:54:53 > 0:54:55at a secondary school for four years.
0:54:55 > 0:54:57She earned around £30,000,
0:54:57 > 0:55:02but work involved long hours and less time spent with her family.
0:55:02 > 0:55:06In New Zealand, she wanted to find out if work could finance
0:55:06 > 0:55:10both the dream home and the lifestyle that she craved.
0:55:10 > 0:55:14I'm going to Balmoral School to teach a class of year sevens.
0:55:14 > 0:55:18I'm a little bit nervous, but I'm looking forward to it.
0:55:18 > 0:55:20I think it'll be quite a good experience.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23This is what I've been planning all along.
0:55:23 > 0:55:27I'll love it or hate it, hopefully I'll love it!
0:55:27 > 0:55:29I'm just going to go over a few quick things
0:55:29 > 0:55:31and get some ideas from you as well,
0:55:31 > 0:55:35it's not just going to be me standing here telling you,
0:55:35 > 0:55:37I'd like a lot of input from you as well.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39While Vanessa was at school,
0:55:39 > 0:55:43the rest of the family were checking out what New Zealand had to offer.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48- Hi, guys. So you're keen on a bit of surfing?- Definitely.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52- Have you ever done any surfing before?- No.- Perfect.
0:55:52 > 0:55:56- I'm expecting to have you standing and riding in one lesson. - Expectations!
0:55:56 > 0:56:00Don't worry, Megan, the girls always do best.
0:56:00 > 0:56:04Vanessa and Phil knew they had one week to convince their children
0:56:04 > 0:56:07that a move was right for everyone.
0:56:07 > 0:56:09This is it. Megan, it's on.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13This is quite interesting, to see them attempting this,
0:56:13 > 0:56:15they've never surfed before.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17They're starting on a level playing field for once,
0:56:17 > 0:56:22so it'll be interesting to see who does the best out of the three of them.
0:56:22 > 0:56:24Whilst the family enjoyed the waves,
0:56:24 > 0:56:27Vanessa had made a good impression on her class.
0:56:29 > 0:56:34On behalf of room 8 and 10, we'd like to thank you, Mrs Taylor, for coming in today
0:56:34 > 0:56:37and teaching us new skills about packaging and labels.
0:56:37 > 0:56:41Thank you very much, that's really nice of you! Thank you!
0:56:44 > 0:56:48Can I just say, it's been a real pleasure to be in here today.
0:56:48 > 0:56:51I've loved coming in and working with you.
0:56:51 > 0:56:55And I hope to come back again and see you soon.
0:56:55 > 0:56:58So thank you very much, it's been really good.
0:57:01 > 0:57:06That was a really nice surprise, yeah. I was very touched!
0:57:06 > 0:57:07Yeah, it was great.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09The lesson had gone well.
0:57:09 > 0:57:11And a potential salary of 55,000
0:57:11 > 0:57:15was only slightly less than she was earning at home.
0:57:15 > 0:57:20I was a little worried that we wouldn't be able to manage,
0:57:20 > 0:57:22it wouldn't be something we could do.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25Because the cost of living here in New Zealand is lower,
0:57:25 > 0:57:27that will offset that.
0:57:27 > 0:57:32It doesn't seem too bad, perfectly manageable, anyway.
0:57:32 > 0:57:34Vanessa could see a future in teaching in New Zealand,
0:57:34 > 0:57:37and Phil was seeing the benefits of the lifestyle.
0:57:38 > 0:57:41The work-life balance is the key factor
0:57:41 > 0:57:44in us looking to move to New Zealand.
0:57:44 > 0:57:46As a teacher in the UK,
0:57:46 > 0:57:50you do find that your work life intrudes into your home life.
0:57:50 > 0:57:55I'm hoping that by moving to New Zealand, it will redress the balance.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58And we get more time to be together as a family,
0:57:58 > 0:58:01and to do things together, even if it is new stuff.
0:58:01 > 0:58:05I think it will do us all good as a family.
0:58:05 > 0:58:08It seemed New Zealand had a lot to offer the Taylors
0:58:08 > 0:58:10in terms of the life they wanted.
0:58:10 > 0:58:11However, did it convince them all
0:58:11 > 0:58:14that their dream future could be a reality?
0:58:15 > 0:58:19How would Vanessa vote on her experience at school?
0:58:20 > 0:58:24Teaching in New Zealand is very similar to the UK.
0:58:24 > 0:58:29But it does seem that there is more opportunity to actually teach,
0:58:29 > 0:58:32rather than deal with behavioural issues,
0:58:32 > 0:58:34which there are a lot of in the UK.
0:58:34 > 0:58:38And it's a lot friendlier environment as well.
0:58:38 > 0:58:42So with that in mind, I'm going to choose...
0:58:42 > 0:58:43New Zealand.
0:58:50 > 0:58:54For the Taylors, a new life down under rested not only on the right job
0:58:54 > 0:58:58but on the price they could get for their house back in the UK.
0:58:58 > 0:59:01It was a five-bedroom property in Middlesbrough.
0:59:01 > 0:59:06Back in 2009, they believed its value was £235,000.
0:59:06 > 0:59:10We sent round a local estate agent to give his opinion
0:59:10 > 0:59:12on what he thought it was worth.
0:59:12 > 0:59:14It's a lovely five-bedroom extended property,
0:59:14 > 0:59:19in a very sought after location, with close links to all local schools.
0:59:19 > 0:59:22'The master bedroom would benefit from an ensuite
0:59:22 > 0:59:24'but it is still a very charming property.'
0:59:24 > 0:59:26£185,000 for a quick sale.
0:59:26 > 0:59:29- You're joking!- For a QUICK sale.
0:59:31 > 0:59:34That is ridiculous, I have to say.
0:59:34 > 0:59:39It was 225, 235, and 245, the three valuations we got.
0:59:41 > 0:59:44So we went for 235, it's on the market for 235.
0:59:44 > 0:59:47There's probably a reason why you haven't had any viewings.
0:59:47 > 0:59:50- Well, that's no good.- Cos it's too high.- Then it's pointless.
0:59:50 > 0:59:54We'd hardly have any money to bring over.
0:59:54 > 0:59:58If we sell it at that, I'd rather stay in the UK, simple as that.
1:00:04 > 1:00:10In the UK, Liam volunteered for the St John's ambulance service,
1:00:10 > 1:00:14which he saw as a stepping stone to a future career as a paramedic.
1:00:14 > 1:00:16This was another pull to the UK.
1:00:18 > 1:00:20Phil and Vanessa were keen to show him
1:00:20 > 1:00:22the opportunities he could have in New Zealand.
1:00:25 > 1:00:29So what's the chances of Liam doing something like this out here in New Zealand?
1:00:29 > 1:00:34With experience in the UK, probably a good chance.
1:00:34 > 1:00:36I mean, I'm not involved with the recruitment.
1:00:36 > 1:00:39There's a good chance, having a St John's background.
1:00:39 > 1:00:44You can probably tell by the smile on my face, I'm extremely happy
1:00:44 > 1:00:47being able to come to an ambulance station over here.
1:00:47 > 1:00:50It's given me quite a lot to think about.
1:00:50 > 1:00:55It's made me think that New Zealand might be a good option to take.
1:00:55 > 1:00:59At the moment, I'm still quite swayed towards the UK.
1:00:59 > 1:01:01But...
1:01:01 > 1:01:07I think New Zealand is slowly growing on me, I do have to admit.
1:01:07 > 1:01:11Liam seemed to be coming around to the idea of New Zealand.
1:01:11 > 1:01:15But Megan still needed some convincing.
1:01:15 > 1:01:19Vanessa and Phil thought a trip to a local horse riding centre in West Auckland
1:01:19 > 1:01:21would persuade her.
1:01:23 > 1:01:26So, do you guys want to saddle them up?
1:01:26 > 1:01:31Yeah, this is the most exciting thing that I was looking forward to.
1:01:31 > 1:01:36Mainly because I just love horses. Better than anything else. Hello!
1:01:44 > 1:01:46It looks a little bit spirited.
1:01:46 > 1:01:50But was the pull of the UK too strong?
1:01:50 > 1:01:54I like riding in England better, to be honest.
1:01:54 > 1:01:57And I like the horses better there as well.
1:01:57 > 1:01:59I think I'd miss my friends if I moved out here,
1:01:59 > 1:02:04and I wouldn't really like to go to school here, I don't think.
1:02:04 > 1:02:05I don't really like it here.
1:02:05 > 1:02:10Vanessa and Phil had tried their hardest to convince Liam and Megan.
1:02:10 > 1:02:13But would it be enough to make them vote for New Zealand?
1:02:13 > 1:02:16In New Zealand, there seems to be a lot more to do.
1:02:16 > 1:02:20Everything about the lifestyle in New Zealand seems better,
1:02:20 > 1:02:22so I'm going to vote New Zealand.
1:02:22 > 1:02:28From what we've seen so far, I would have to vote New Zealand.
1:02:28 > 1:02:31Because there's more opportunity, I'm going to stick with New Zealand.
1:02:31 > 1:02:35For me, I'm just going to have to vote New Zealand.
1:02:35 > 1:02:37I already like my lifestyle in the UK,
1:02:37 > 1:02:41and there's not really much to do here, so I vote UK.
1:02:41 > 1:02:45Megan's lifestyle vote was a huge disappointment for Phil and Vanessa.
1:02:45 > 1:02:48But at least Liam seemed to be coming round.
1:02:54 > 1:02:58The Taylors had a tough decision to make.
1:02:58 > 1:03:02Seeing messages from family and friends back home would only make it harder.
1:03:04 > 1:03:09Hello, hi, Vanessa. Hi, Phil. Hi, boys. Hi, Megan.
1:03:09 > 1:03:10Hi, Vanessa, Phil, kids.
1:03:10 > 1:03:13I hope you've had an absolutely fabulous time.
1:03:13 > 1:03:15Hi, everyone, hope you've enjoyed yourselves.
1:03:15 > 1:03:17She's a very loving person.
1:03:17 > 1:03:21She's very, she's loving to me,
1:03:21 > 1:03:23because we're very close.
1:03:23 > 1:03:25With them not having their mother, of course.
1:03:25 > 1:03:29If Liam went out there, he wouldn't settle anywhere.
1:03:29 > 1:03:34I think he'd want to come home. If he did go.
1:03:34 > 1:03:37I think my sister would be disappointed if he didn't go.
1:03:37 > 1:03:41To leave one behind, and you go round the other side of the world,
1:03:41 > 1:03:43I think would be a big thing to leave him behind.
1:03:43 > 1:03:47To be honest, I don't blame them. They've got a growing family,
1:03:47 > 1:03:50you've got to do what's best for your family, best for you.
1:03:50 > 1:03:52It's a difficult time for you,
1:03:52 > 1:03:54lots of decisions to be made.
1:03:54 > 1:03:58We'll do everything we can to make it easy for you.
1:03:58 > 1:04:00You know, we just want you to be happy.
1:04:00 > 1:04:04Hope everything goes OK, Phil, you deserve it, you're a good man.
1:04:04 > 1:04:08Vanessa, don't think about anybody else, just think about you,
1:04:08 > 1:04:10and Phil, and your children.
1:04:10 > 1:04:15If you want to stay, you stay. If you want to come home, come home.
1:04:16 > 1:04:21It's, to be honest, it's pretty much the way I expected it to be.
1:04:21 > 1:04:24Everybody, all the family's been very supportive,
1:04:24 > 1:04:28they said they wanted us to do what we feel is right.
1:04:29 > 1:04:31I know everyone's supportive.
1:04:31 > 1:04:34And they even told us, when making your decision,
1:04:34 > 1:04:38don't think about us, think about what's right for you.
1:04:38 > 1:04:40But you can't not bring them into mind.
1:04:40 > 1:04:44I'm going to miss them, but I wouldn't have a choice anyway.
1:04:44 > 1:04:47So if Mum and Dad decide to go, we have to.
1:04:47 > 1:04:51I think it has made a difference seeing that.
1:04:51 > 1:04:54Nan, she's just very matter-of-fact.
1:04:56 > 1:05:00Just puts the cards on the table and tells you how it is.
1:05:00 > 1:05:05It's a massive decision, and I think it's an even bigger decision for me.
1:05:07 > 1:05:11Because I've got the option to stay behind and not go.
1:05:11 > 1:05:16And that might impact... the rest of the family's decision.
1:05:24 > 1:05:27The family were deeply moved by seeing their loved ones.
1:05:27 > 1:05:32But the main thing stopping them from making the decision to go was Liam.
1:05:32 > 1:05:37Had they done enough to convince him that New Zealand offered him a future?
1:05:37 > 1:05:39It was time for the final vote.
1:05:40 > 1:05:42New Zealand has a lot to offer,
1:05:42 > 1:05:46and I'm really going to miss people in the UK.
1:05:46 > 1:05:50However, with the aid of technology, the way it is,
1:05:50 > 1:05:53and I know I'll regret it for the rest of my life,
1:05:53 > 1:05:58if I don't give it a go, I'm going to go with New Zealand.
1:05:58 > 1:06:02It's a lot to leave behind and look back on, but I also think
1:06:02 > 1:06:07there's a lot to look forward to and, for that reason, I choose New Zealand.
1:06:07 > 1:06:09There's a lot to offer here,
1:06:09 > 1:06:13and I know my friends will beat me up for this, but I'm going to choose New Zealand.
1:06:18 > 1:06:23I've enjoyed myself more than I usually enjoy myself in the UK.
1:06:23 > 1:06:25As well as having the Bay of Plenty,
1:06:25 > 1:06:29it seems to be the land of plenty, so I'm going to choose New Zealand.
1:06:29 > 1:06:34I've lived in the UK for 12 years and I've got loads of friends
1:06:34 > 1:06:37and family back in the UK, and I just don't think I can leave them,
1:06:37 > 1:06:38so I'm going to say UK.
1:06:42 > 1:06:45This is good news that Liam's chosen New Zealand.
1:06:45 > 1:06:48Bit of a surprise that Megan hasn't, however,
1:06:48 > 1:06:51we've got nine months to work on Megan.
1:06:51 > 1:06:55It didn't work the last time we said we'd work on it!
1:06:56 > 1:07:01If it turns out that we can't move to New Zealand, it will be
1:07:01 > 1:07:06quite devastating because I've been looking at this for a very long time
1:07:06 > 1:07:10but, as always, I'm going to try and find a way round it.
1:07:13 > 1:07:15And I will, because I'm coming.
1:07:25 > 1:07:26After their week in New Zealand,
1:07:26 > 1:07:30the Taylors seemed on the verge of a move down under.
1:07:30 > 1:07:35But one year later, they were still living in the UK after some big changes at home.
1:07:35 > 1:07:38The trip to New Zealand was great.
1:07:38 > 1:07:40We all enjoyed it.
1:07:40 > 1:07:44I think the country, outdoors life suited me.
1:07:44 > 1:07:47Everyone was still, yeah, we're all for New Zealand,
1:07:47 > 1:07:50and Megan was still moaning, but we still didn't care.
1:07:50 > 1:07:51I still don't like it.
1:07:51 > 1:07:54Still don't like it, but I'm going to have to go.
1:07:54 > 1:07:58We've started the ball rolling with our application.
1:07:58 > 1:08:02And... Everybody was really positive.
1:08:02 > 1:08:06Things were going along smoothly.
1:08:06 > 1:08:13Christmas came and went, and a few weeks after that was the bombshell.
1:08:13 > 1:08:16Liam's girlfriend was pregnant.
1:08:17 > 1:08:22Which was a major, major blow because obviously,
1:08:22 > 1:08:26he'd decided he was definitely coming to New Zealand with us...
1:08:29 > 1:08:33And there's not much way of getting round the fact now,
1:08:33 > 1:08:37that he's going to have to stay in the UK.
1:08:37 > 1:08:42The news of a baby on the way meant that Liam had to totally rethink his plans on moving.
1:08:44 > 1:08:49I was all set for going to New Zealand and quite happy about going.
1:08:49 > 1:08:52And then, all of a sudden...
1:08:52 > 1:08:54we found out that my girlfriend was pregnant.
1:08:54 > 1:08:57It's changed the ball game completely.
1:08:57 > 1:09:03Obviously, from then, my mind was made up for me, and I had to stay.
1:09:04 > 1:09:08Our initial reaction was a little bit mixed.
1:09:08 > 1:09:10Vanessa, I think, was a bit shocked.
1:09:11 > 1:09:14I think she was a bit angry
1:09:14 > 1:09:18because it's a conversation we'd had with Liam.
1:09:18 > 1:09:19I thought, straightaway,
1:09:19 > 1:09:24there's no way, now, that Liam will come to New Zealand with us.
1:09:24 > 1:09:27It's thrown everything out,
1:09:27 > 1:09:33and there's now a possibility that my mum might not want to go.
1:09:38 > 1:09:41With Liam having new responsibilities,
1:09:41 > 1:09:44emotional ties to the UK would be even harder to break.
1:09:46 > 1:09:50If we don't get across to New Zealand in the summer,
1:09:50 > 1:09:55then, and the grandchild is born, at that point...
1:09:57 > 1:10:04..it will be even more difficult, then, to leave them all behind.
1:10:06 > 1:10:11And maybe we won't. Maybe we'll still be here.
1:10:11 > 1:10:16I think I'd like them to be there when the baby is born,
1:10:16 > 1:10:20but it shouldn't interfere with what they already had planned
1:10:20 > 1:10:22and what they wanted to do.
1:10:22 > 1:10:29And I wouldn't like to feel that they were stopped doing something.
1:10:29 > 1:10:30With Liam's path now set,
1:10:30 > 1:10:33where do the rest of the family see their future?
1:10:36 > 1:10:39This time next year, I've no idea where everyone's going to be.
1:10:39 > 1:10:43I think my mum and dad and me and Megan are all going to be in New Zealand.
1:10:43 > 1:10:46I don't really want to say goodbye.
1:10:46 > 1:10:47I might just not say goodbye.
1:10:47 > 1:10:52So, I'll see you soon, you know. Not actually going to leave you.
1:10:52 > 1:10:57It will be difficult to say goodbye to him, if he doesn't come with us.
1:10:57 > 1:11:02But, ultimately, we'll have to go, I think.
1:11:02 > 1:11:08It will be awful, having to leave him behind, but...I don't know.
1:11:14 > 1:11:18The move to New Zealand was a huge decision,
1:11:18 > 1:11:22but with the change in circumstances affecting the whole family,
1:11:22 > 1:11:26would it end the Taylors' dream? It was time to vote again.
1:11:26 > 1:11:31We've been back in the UK now for seven months or so.
1:11:31 > 1:11:34And in that time the situation's changed slightly,
1:11:34 > 1:11:37and therefore, our new votes are going to be...
1:11:37 > 1:11:43I've already been telling everyone about our plans to move to New Zealand,
1:11:43 > 1:11:47and everyone's been asking me, "Is it final? Is it definite?"
1:11:47 > 1:11:52And I'm thinking, it better be New Zealand, I've already told them I have.
1:11:52 > 1:11:55Things are slightly different now,
1:11:55 > 1:11:58with Liam not coming to New Zealand,
1:11:58 > 1:12:00with his new situation.
1:12:00 > 1:12:03However, I'm still going to choose New Zealand.
1:12:03 > 1:12:06A lot of things have changed since the last time we did this.
1:12:06 > 1:12:09However, I have to say that my opinion is
1:12:09 > 1:12:13that the prospects for this family still lie in New Zealand.
1:12:13 > 1:12:17I think I'm going to vote for the UK,
1:12:17 > 1:12:20probably because I've got lots of friends and family
1:12:20 > 1:12:23and I prefer riding the horses that I already know much better,
1:12:23 > 1:12:25so I'm voting the UK.
1:12:25 > 1:12:29I really enjoyed my trip to New Zealand
1:12:29 > 1:12:31and I'd love to go back sometime,
1:12:31 > 1:12:35but at the moment, circumstances make me want to stay in the UK.
1:12:46 > 1:12:49In 2009, Vanessa was desperate to move to New Zealand.
1:12:49 > 1:12:53And after a week of experiencing the reality of life down under,
1:12:53 > 1:12:56she persuaded the family to make the move.
1:12:58 > 1:13:02But the Taylors' circumstances changed when they returned to the UK,
1:13:02 > 1:13:05and their plans to emigrate were thrown up in the air.
1:13:07 > 1:13:11And after all the emotional heartache,
1:13:11 > 1:13:14could Vanessa and Phil really make the move?
1:13:14 > 1:13:19It will be awful, having to leave them behind, but...I don't know.
1:13:21 > 1:13:23In 2010, a move to New Zealand
1:13:23 > 1:13:28was looking more and more difficult for the Taylors to make.
1:13:28 > 1:13:32So, a year later, have they finally given up on their dream,
1:13:32 > 1:13:35or has there been a big turnaround?
1:13:40 > 1:13:45It's summer, 2011, and Vanessa, Phil, Ryan and Megan
1:13:45 > 1:13:47have made the move to New Zealand.
1:13:50 > 1:13:53After Vanessa excepted a teaching job, the family have been
1:13:53 > 1:13:56living in Palmerston North, a two-hour drive from Wellington.
1:13:59 > 1:14:02The vibrant city has New Zealand's shops
1:14:02 > 1:14:04and nightlife on their doorstep.
1:14:04 > 1:14:08And being at the foothills of the Tararua mountains,
1:14:08 > 1:14:10there's plenty of activities for everyone.
1:14:12 > 1:14:15After such a difficult decision,
1:14:15 > 1:14:18how have the Taylors settled in to life in New Zealand?
1:14:20 > 1:14:22So, here we are in New Zealand.
1:14:22 > 1:14:27And I've been here for nine months. And Phil's been here three months.
1:14:27 > 1:14:31The job that I got started in January,
1:14:31 > 1:14:35so I came out with Megan and Ryan.
1:14:35 > 1:14:39Phil stayed in the UK until he got his visa.
1:14:39 > 1:14:42Because Vanessa had said that she would take the job,
1:14:42 > 1:14:48we didn't want to let them down, did we, so I had six months, nearly, on my own.
1:14:48 > 1:14:53In a way, though, it made leaving Liam a little bit easier,
1:14:53 > 1:14:56because it was sort of a staged withdrawal, wasn't it?
1:14:56 > 1:14:59And although he probably had to say bye-bye twice,
1:14:59 > 1:15:01it was still, I think, easier on him.
1:15:01 > 1:15:03It certainly supported me,
1:15:03 > 1:15:07and I would like to think it made a difference to Liam.
1:15:07 > 1:15:10We talk to Liam fairly regularly on Skype, which is really nice,
1:15:10 > 1:15:14but it's just not the real thing,
1:15:14 > 1:15:16so there's no comparison there.
1:15:16 > 1:15:19The move to New Zealand was hard for everyone,
1:15:19 > 1:15:22but especially Ryan and Megan.
1:15:22 > 1:15:25When I found out we were definitely moving here,
1:15:25 > 1:15:27I wasn't the happiest person.
1:15:27 > 1:15:32I didn't want to leave all of my friends, family, and all the horses I knew over there.
1:15:32 > 1:15:35The last nine months I've been here, it has been pretty fun
1:15:35 > 1:15:38and I've made friends at school.
1:15:38 > 1:15:41I am pleased that they decided to come.
1:15:41 > 1:15:44Everyone here has been so nice,
1:15:44 > 1:15:47and they just welcome you into friendship groups.
1:15:47 > 1:15:49It's been quite easy to fit in.
1:15:49 > 1:15:52My mum told me that she got the job.
1:15:52 > 1:15:55I was excited, cos I knew we were going.
1:15:55 > 1:15:59After a while, I realised I'm going to have to say goodbye to my friends,
1:15:59 > 1:16:04and then I thought about my brother. And that upset me a lot.
1:16:06 > 1:16:09Just leaving him behind, it's not something I ever wanted to do,
1:16:09 > 1:16:12something I never thought I'd be doing.
1:16:12 > 1:16:14We did, and I got over it.
1:16:20 > 1:16:23The last year has been tough for the Taylors,
1:16:23 > 1:16:27but despite this, they have settled in to life in Palmerston North,
1:16:27 > 1:16:31and have been renting this three-bedroom home.
1:16:31 > 1:16:34The house that we've moved into now is a new-build.
1:16:34 > 1:16:37I don't know if it's because we've got all our
1:16:37 > 1:16:40own furniture in here, but the decor is quite similar,
1:16:40 > 1:16:43and the carpets are similar,
1:16:43 > 1:16:47so when I put some photographs of this new house on the internet
1:16:47 > 1:16:51for family to see in the UK, there was a few of them
1:16:51 > 1:16:55commented how much it looks like the house in Middlesbrough.
1:16:55 > 1:17:00I actually think it's done us good to rent, because we can get to know
1:17:00 > 1:17:03what the property's like, the area, the market.
1:17:03 > 1:17:06It's a whole different ball game out here.
1:17:06 > 1:17:10I think ultimately, we will probably end up buying.
1:17:10 > 1:17:14We're looking at a timeframe of 12 to 18 months, and then,
1:17:14 > 1:17:19after that, I think we'll probably look at building something
1:17:19 > 1:17:23that we want, that would be long-term,
1:17:23 > 1:17:26really, for after when the kids have left home.
1:17:27 > 1:17:31It was Vanessa's skills as a food technology teacher
1:17:31 > 1:17:34that secured the visa to move to New Zealand and she's been working
1:17:34 > 1:17:37at the same secondary school that Megan attends.
1:17:39 > 1:17:43So we're going to continue on with star profiles
1:17:43 > 1:17:49of what you think a pizza would be like that I made fresh this morning.
1:17:49 > 1:17:52- PHIL:- 'When Vanessa got the job, when she was offered the job,
1:17:52 > 1:17:55'she did an interview over the internet,
1:17:55 > 1:17:59'and she got an e-mail, early in the morning for us, that said,
1:17:59 > 1:18:03' "We would like to offer you the position," and she was absolutely ecstatic.
1:18:03 > 1:18:04'She was over the moon.'
1:18:04 > 1:18:07It was at that point we realised,
1:18:07 > 1:18:10actually, this is going to happen for us.
1:18:10 > 1:18:13Teaching in New Zealand is definitely more enjoyable.
1:18:13 > 1:18:16'It's the way I feel teaching should be.
1:18:16 > 1:18:20'The subjects I am teaching here seem to be more work-related,
1:18:20 > 1:18:25'the interaction with the students is much happier, much easier.
1:18:25 > 1:18:30'The students in New Zealand seem more willing to work
1:18:30 > 1:18:33'and we don't have a lot of behavioural issues.'
1:18:33 > 1:18:37The school that I worked on in the UK, I did feel I was taking
1:18:37 > 1:18:42work home every night, a lot of paperwork as well, rather than marking.
1:18:42 > 1:18:47'Comparing that to here in New Zealand, I would say I try
1:18:47 > 1:18:51'and get everything done during the week, so that my weekends are my own,'
1:18:51 > 1:18:55and the work I take home during the week is, maybe,
1:18:55 > 1:19:00Monday to Friday, totals up three hours, so for me,
1:19:00 > 1:19:03it's been a big improvement.
1:19:03 > 1:19:06Vanessa is relishing the challenges her new job is bringing,
1:19:06 > 1:19:10but for Phil, things haven't been so easy.
1:19:12 > 1:19:14It's been quite frustrating.
1:19:14 > 1:19:18It's kind of surreal that I'm not in full-time employment.
1:19:18 > 1:19:21The problem that we had with my visa, delaying me five months,
1:19:21 > 1:19:24meant that I arrived at entirely the wrong time of year,
1:19:24 > 1:19:28because the school term starts in February.
1:19:28 > 1:19:31So, me arriving halfway through the year, meant there were
1:19:31 > 1:19:37no teaching jobs, so it really caused a problem with the plans we'd set in place.
1:19:37 > 1:19:41But despite work setbacks, the Taylors are enjoying
1:19:41 > 1:19:45all the opportunities New Zealand has to offer the whole family.
1:19:45 > 1:19:50Not working has given us the opportunity to get out and about.
1:19:50 > 1:19:53We can get to know the area. Everything is so different.
1:19:53 > 1:19:56It'd been such a change for us.
1:19:56 > 1:20:02It's probably no bad thing that we've got some time to ourselves,
1:20:02 > 1:20:05and Vanessa doesn't bring work home like she used to in the UK,
1:20:05 > 1:20:08so we spend a lot more family time together.
1:20:08 > 1:20:13Moving to New Zealand is the best thing that I've ever done.
1:20:13 > 1:20:16It'd lived up to the expectations that I had of New Zealand,
1:20:16 > 1:20:20the lifestyle, the people, the place, it's all been great, so far.
1:20:20 > 1:20:24I think moving to New Zealand has been a good family decision.
1:20:24 > 1:20:27I've really enjoyed it so far.
1:20:27 > 1:20:31It's the right decision, but the only downside is leaving Liam and his family.
1:20:39 > 1:20:43For the Taylor family, one of the most difficult decisions
1:20:43 > 1:20:48was to leave hind eldest son Liam and granddaughter Destiny.
1:20:48 > 1:20:51Since they've moved, being separated from loved ones
1:20:51 > 1:20:55has got even harder, as Liam has become a father again.
1:20:55 > 1:21:00When we first made the decision, it was a matter of convincing Liam
1:21:00 > 1:21:03that this is where his future lie,
1:21:03 > 1:21:08and when we found out about Destiny, then that changed things
1:21:08 > 1:21:11because it meant he definitely couldn't come.
1:21:11 > 1:21:14If we knew Liam definitely wouldn't be coming before we started,
1:21:14 > 1:21:16we probably wouldn't have even looked at it.
1:21:16 > 1:21:19There are times when it does hang over us,
1:21:19 > 1:21:21I think, as a family, the fact that Liam's not here.
1:21:21 > 1:21:25The majority of the time we manage to get on with things, get on with life,
1:21:25 > 1:21:30then there's just that odd occasion where things crop up and you think about Liam,
1:21:30 > 1:21:35and yes, there's that black cloud there, thinking, "I wish he was here."
1:21:39 > 1:21:42I try not to think of Liam as being so far away, because I get to talk
1:21:42 > 1:21:46to him over the internet, but it's not the same cos he's not here,
1:21:46 > 1:21:51and I'm used to sending him a text and him just popping round to see me.
1:21:51 > 1:21:54It is something I can't do any more and I miss him.
1:21:54 > 1:21:59Having Liam and my nieces back in England
1:21:59 > 1:22:02has been tough on everyone.
1:22:02 > 1:22:06But we're still getting on with things. I mean,
1:22:06 > 1:22:09we know we're going to see them again.
1:22:09 > 1:22:11We just don't really know when.
1:22:11 > 1:22:15But they wanted us to come over here and have a better life,
1:22:15 > 1:22:17but it's just sad we had to leave them.
1:22:17 > 1:22:21I found it more difficult
1:22:21 > 1:22:24than I thought I would with Liam not being here.
1:22:24 > 1:22:26I thought I would be able to cope.
1:22:26 > 1:22:30Everybody says, "The world's a small place, you've got the internet
1:22:30 > 1:22:34"and you can talk to each other every week," but it's not the same.
1:22:34 > 1:22:38It's hard for us and it's hard for him.
1:22:38 > 1:22:41It's hard for Megan and Ryan,
1:22:41 > 1:22:45but that's the way it's got to be, I suppose.
1:22:45 > 1:22:47Whether it'll get easier in time,
1:22:47 > 1:22:51I couldn't honestly answer that.
1:22:51 > 1:22:55It probably will. But it will always be there.
1:22:55 > 1:22:57And it will always be, sort of,
1:22:57 > 1:22:59a missed opportunity, maybe.
1:23:01 > 1:23:05The Taylors' new life down under has been fraught with difficult decisions
1:23:05 > 1:23:08and with a new addition to the family,
1:23:08 > 1:23:12watching a message from Liam could remind them what they're missing in the UK.
1:23:15 > 1:23:18Hiya, Mam, hiya, Dad. Hiya, Ryan, hiya, Megan!
1:23:18 > 1:23:22Hope you're all doing really well. I'm really missing you all loads
1:23:22 > 1:23:27and hopefully I'll be able to come and see you as soon as possible.
1:23:27 > 1:23:31For the moment, I've got to stay here.
1:23:32 > 1:23:38Destiny has been looking at your pictures, Megan,
1:23:38 > 1:23:42and we've seen that you have won a few horse competitions.
1:23:42 > 1:23:44You're doing really well.
1:23:44 > 1:23:48I'm just sorry I can't be there to watch you win them.
1:23:48 > 1:23:52Ryan, I am glad to hear you're doing really well at school.
1:23:52 > 1:23:54Mam...
1:23:54 > 1:23:58I miss you more than words can say.
1:24:00 > 1:24:02I miss having you around,
1:24:02 > 1:24:05just to talk to,
1:24:05 > 1:24:09but I am glad that you really like the school you're teaching in now.
1:24:11 > 1:24:14Dad, when Mam left
1:24:14 > 1:24:18and you were left here, with me,
1:24:18 > 1:24:19we spent a lot of time together
1:24:19 > 1:24:23and that made it a little bit harder to leave.
1:24:27 > 1:24:30But I understand why you've done it
1:24:30 > 1:24:32and I wish you all the best of luck.
1:24:33 > 1:24:38Right, I know you've seen pictures of her on the internet,
1:24:38 > 1:24:42and a few times on video calls, but this is your first real
1:24:42 > 1:24:47opportunity to see her at work, so this is Charley!
1:24:53 > 1:24:55(She's going to cry)!
1:24:55 > 1:24:57I thought she was going to cry, as well.
1:25:06 > 1:25:09This is the new addition to the family.
1:25:09 > 1:25:14She hopes she can come and see you soon, all of you.
1:25:14 > 1:25:15As do I!
1:25:19 > 1:25:22Liam doesn't show his emotions very often,
1:25:22 > 1:25:26in fact, hardly ever, and the fact that we've seen,
1:25:26 > 1:25:30we've all individually seen the message from him, there,
1:25:30 > 1:25:34has brought it home more, because we do speak to him over the internet,
1:25:34 > 1:25:38but he doesn't tell us how much he misses us.
1:25:38 > 1:25:43Ultimately, I do feel it's still been the right thing to do, because,
1:25:43 > 1:25:47it was the right decision for Liam to stay in the UK with his kids,
1:25:47 > 1:25:51and start making his future there.
1:25:51 > 1:25:55It was still right for us to continue
1:25:55 > 1:25:59and start making our future in New Zealand.
1:25:59 > 1:26:01It's a shame Liam can't be part of it,
1:26:01 > 1:26:05but it's not to say he'll never be part of it.
1:26:05 > 1:26:09It is difficult to put into words exactly how you feel.
1:26:09 > 1:26:12I mean, I miss Liam.
1:26:12 > 1:26:16I wish he was here, but I miss Destiny. Charley's a little bit
1:26:16 > 1:26:21different, because we'd left before she was born.
1:26:21 > 1:26:25But that doesn't change the fact that we have two grandchildren
1:26:25 > 1:26:28in the UK, and...
1:26:28 > 1:26:30I just wish they were here.
1:26:39 > 1:26:43Although the Taylors have had a long and difficult journey,
1:26:43 > 1:26:47the family are finally making a real home in New Zealand.
1:26:49 > 1:26:52I am pleased that they decided to come,
1:26:52 > 1:26:56otherwise I wouldn't have met the people that I have
1:26:56 > 1:27:00and I wouldn't have got my horse or my cute little kitten.
1:27:00 > 1:27:04It's just been quite a good experience.
1:27:04 > 1:27:06Moving to New Zealand was a fantastic idea.
1:27:06 > 1:27:09Just the things to do has really brought us together.
1:27:09 > 1:27:13I think my mum and dad have got this little hope, that one day
1:27:13 > 1:27:16Liam will come out, and I definitely do.
1:27:16 > 1:27:20It's been an emotional rollercoaster
1:27:20 > 1:27:23because we've had to leave Liam behind
1:27:23 > 1:27:26and obviously I would prefer it if he was here.
1:27:26 > 1:27:30But for the lifestyle, the work-life balance,
1:27:30 > 1:27:32I'm glad that I've made the move.
1:27:32 > 1:27:35I am happier than I thought I would be, actually.
1:27:35 > 1:27:37I've really enjoyed it.
1:27:37 > 1:27:40We're more relaxed, we've got more time,
1:27:40 > 1:27:42it is a good life.
1:27:44 > 1:27:48So after three years, two new family members
1:27:48 > 1:27:52and plenty of sleepless nights, the Taylors are finally settling in
1:27:52 > 1:27:54to their new lives down under
1:27:54 > 1:27:56and with a growing family back in the UK
1:27:56 > 1:28:00there's still a bit of their hearts left at home.
1:28:18 > 1:28:22Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
1:28:22 > 1:28:26E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk