0:00:03 > 0:00:07For most of us, the idea of emigrating to another country
0:00:07 > 0:00:09is nothing more than a pipe dream.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13But what if you decided you had enough of thinking, what if?
0:00:13 > 0:00:16How would you convince your partner to put aside their doubts
0:00:16 > 0:00:18and follow you to the other side of the world?
0:00:18 > 0:00:24In 2012, Teo Armes took his family to test drive life in New Zealand.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27It was his best shot at persuading them to emigrate.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32If we weren't to move to New Zealand this time,
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- I don't think we'll ever do it.- Wife Amanda didn't want to leave the UK.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41The distance makes me feel sick with worry.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43The thought of leaving her mum seemed unbearable.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48I don't like to think about it too much, otherwise I'd cry.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Leaving my mum.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53One year on, we'll find out
0:00:53 > 0:00:57if the family have made the life-changing decision.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00We had everything most people would want.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02And then we were just going to give it all up.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29For many Brits looking for a new start, New Zealand seems perfect.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33Its open countryside and mild climate are a powerful draw.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36And with just a fraction of the population compared to the UK,
0:01:36 > 0:01:39there is plenty of room for new arrivals.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41But the dream isn't always easy to achieve
0:01:41 > 0:01:44and it doesn't work out for everyone.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49In 2012 the Armes family spent a week experiencing the Kiwi
0:01:49 > 0:01:51lifestyle first-hand.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53For Teo, it was a chance to convince his wife
0:01:53 > 0:01:56and children it would be worth giving up their comfortable life
0:01:56 > 0:02:00in the UK for a new life down under.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Today, one year on, we'll find out what happened to their hopes
0:02:03 > 0:02:05and dreams.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09For their trial week, the Armes took a 12,000 mile
0:02:09 > 0:02:12journey before they touched down on Kiwi soil.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15But they had an unplanned stopover at immigration.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Amanda filled in the forms on the plane to declare
0:02:20 > 0:02:23if we were carrying any food or footwear that may have soil on.
0:02:23 > 0:02:29And Amanda forgot to say that we had on our walking boots
0:02:29 > 0:02:33and we have been officially warned, luckily we weren't fined 400,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37but they nearly did, and they gave us a proper telling off.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40And an official warning. She was crying five minutes ago.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- Not a good start, was it?- No.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46The family were about to face a week that could
0:02:46 > 0:02:48change their lives for ever.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55In the UK, the Armes lived in the historic city of Norwich.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02Teo was a consultant social worker, Amanda, a part-time sales assistant.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Football-mad Alfie was nine and Isabella was seven.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11After a student trip to Australia, Teo had always wanted to
0:03:11 > 0:03:15emigrate, but after falling for and marrying Amanda,
0:03:15 > 0:03:16the move had been put on hold.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19It's always been talked about but it has always been in the background.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22It has never been, we are actually going to do it.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25We have never moved forward on that.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28But then a tragedy had made Teo look at his dream again.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32My brother...
0:03:32 > 0:03:35suddenly and unexpectedly died.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39It has really had a huge effect on the whole family,
0:03:39 > 0:03:47but it has really made me evaluate what I've got, what I want from life.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50However, Amanda was worried about moving.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55The distance makes me feel sick with worry and nerves,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58that if anything was to happen to my mum or dad,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01because they have not been that well, yeah, it kind of...
0:04:01 > 0:04:03Yeah.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10A move was something Amanda hoped she would never have to contemplate.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13I don't like to think about it too much otherwise I'd cry, yeah,
0:04:13 > 0:04:14leave my mum.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Really?
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- SHE CRIES - They haven't got anyone else. They've only got me.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- Yeah.- It's the grandchildren.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31And taking them away, because they love them so much.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- Yeah, I feel really guilty. - It would have a massive impact.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Alfie and Isabella also weren't sure about the idea.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Me, Mum and Bella don't know how it feels to be on the other
0:04:46 > 0:04:49side of the world. But Dad does.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53But back then, with the children growing up fast, Teo believed it
0:04:53 > 0:04:57was now or never, if they were ever to realise the dream of emigrating.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02If we weren't to move to New Zealand at this time,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05I don't think we'll ever do it.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09If I weren't to at least try and show Amanda
0:05:09 > 0:05:13and the children what we could have somewhere else, and what life
0:05:13 > 0:05:18is like living in another country, I think I would always have a regret.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22There is nothing worse than having regrets so...
0:05:23 > 0:05:26..he needs to do what he needs to do and I have to support him on that.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29But the reality of it...
0:05:30 > 0:05:34..is something, just, I can't comprehend.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38For their trial week in New Zealand,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41the family visited Auckland on the North Island.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44The country's biggest city, it is full of life
0:05:44 > 0:05:47but surrounded by open spaces.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Their rental home was in the suburb of Takapuna,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52so how did their first taste of Kiwi living go down?
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- Ooh.- Oh.- Modern.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56Yeah.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- Oh, it's all open plan.- I like it. - I like open plan.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- It's good.- Amanda's thoughts had already turned to the week ahead.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09The area we are staying in is lovely or it seems really nice,
0:06:09 > 0:06:11and the house is gorgeous.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15It's very similar to our home, so it doesn't feel like something
0:06:15 > 0:06:18completely different and alien to me.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22But I know I'm a long way from home.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Trying to get Amanda on board.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28If the houses go well, then that holds the whole week in good stead,
0:06:28 > 0:06:33I think, because Amanda is the key decision-maker really.
0:06:36 > 0:06:42Back in the UK, Teo and Amanda lived in a three-bedroom family home in Norwich.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46They hoped to have a budget of £250,000.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50But for Amanda, a Kiwi house would have plenty to live up to.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55I'd like a modern house. Something homely, comfortable.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57For me, as long as she likes it
0:06:57 > 0:06:59and she's happy with the house then I'm happy with the house.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Kitchen is very important.
0:07:01 > 0:07:07Ideally, I'd like to have a spare bedroom so guests can come and stay.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10I'd like an entertaining space so that we can all be together.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14I definitely would like to have somewhere to grow some veg and stuff.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18The worst thing to be would be to be put in the middle of nowhere
0:07:18 > 0:07:21on a lifestyle property,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24surrounded by acres of fields. I would absolutely hate it.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27That was quite a list,
0:07:27 > 0:07:31but finding it would be key to winning Amanda over.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35We gave the Armes a taste of Auckland's property market.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38We showed them three typical houses based upon what they wanted,
0:07:38 > 0:07:42what they could afford and the real cost of property down under.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44After seeing what was on offer,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47they'd discover how much each property cost.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54The first stop was in the desirable beach-side district of Devonport,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57with plenty of local schools and only a ten-minute ferry ride
0:07:57 > 0:07:59to the city centre,
0:07:59 > 0:08:01this was harbour-side living in the suburbs.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- But did it impress the Armes? - I like the little balcony there.
0:08:10 > 0:08:16I don't like the outside of it. It looks quite bleak and depressing.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19It wasn't the best start.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21OK, let's go and have a little look.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- Are you going to lead us in, Alfie? Yes?- I am.
0:08:26 > 0:08:32OK, what do you think? It's quite small. It's cosy.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34I like the veranda and the door.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Kitchen is on the small side but it's OK.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40It's nice that it joins the dining room
0:08:40 > 0:08:42so you can still sit there and chat.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45While the children explored the garden,
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Mum and Dad checked out the bedrooms.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50This would have to be a children's room. This can't be...
0:08:51 > 0:08:54It couldn't be our room.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57OK, so this is the master bedroom. This is a bit better.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- It's not huge, but...- It's not massive but it's good enough.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05It's similar to the house when we bought ours, and changed everything.
0:09:05 > 0:09:06Yes.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- This is quite a big room as well. - Yes, this is nice.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16At least the kids would have equal-sized rooms for a change.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21- It's a good-sized room. You have got the two windows.- No, this is nice.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22I like it.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25With only three bedrooms there wouldn't be much space for guests.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29But an answer to the problem was to be found downstairs.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- Oh, blimey, it's a huge space. - That's huge.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35The basement area was as big as the house.
0:09:35 > 0:09:36Where do you start?
0:09:36 > 0:09:40I don't know, it would take some serious cash to...
0:09:40 > 0:09:46- change it. But... Wow.- A bit of a project...- A bit of a project.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48..which I don't really fancy.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52I wouldn't mind as long as the money was in the budget to do it.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56A guest bedroom was important to Teo and Amanda who wouldn't
0:09:56 > 0:09:59settle for somewhere her parents couldn't visit.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- There's a vegetable patch over there, Teo.- A veg patch.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07- It's got rhubarb.- I like the garden. - The garden is good.- It's massive.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09I'd worry about the neighbours because the neighbours would
0:10:09 > 0:10:12constantly be having a football in each garden!
0:10:12 > 0:10:16You would be climbing over that fence like you do at home all the time.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19The house had lots of potential and the garden Teo wanted,
0:10:19 > 0:10:23IF he could stop Alfie turning it into a football pitch.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28But was their £250,000 budget going to be enough to cover it?
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- Bearing in mind that we are in Devonport...- Who dares turn it over?
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- ..which is expensive. - Turn it over, let's have a look.
0:10:37 > 0:10:42- OK.- 630,000. - It's a bit over budget...- Yep.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- ..by about 50 grand.- Yep.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51You're going to spend at least another 50, if not more renovating.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53It was a good price for Devonport,
0:10:53 > 0:10:56but Amanda didn't see herself living there.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58So what was Plan B?
0:10:58 > 0:11:01If we want to spend a bit less than that, then we're going probably
0:11:01 > 0:11:05have to look a little further out from the central business district.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07I'm happy to look a bit further out.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12The second property was 25 miles to the north-west,
0:11:12 > 0:11:14but would it appeal to Amanda?
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Oh, my God, there's a caravan!
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Oh, this is horrible.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- Stop making your mind up about things until you've had a look.- OK.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Property two was a country cottage full of character.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Oh, this is not my cup of tea at all.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40The house sat in its own land and didn't have a neighbour in sight.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42I don't see the point of having ten acres
0:11:42 > 0:11:44and being in the middle of nowhere.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50Inside, the cottage had an old-fashioned look.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- Crikey. It's certainly a doer-upper, isn't it?- Do-upper.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- I'd have to knock it down. - This is called country kitchen.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Not my country kitchen.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Amanda wasn't impressed.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07So what about the bedrooms?
0:12:08 > 0:12:12This is tiny. There would be a massive fight between the children.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14That is more of an office size, isn't it?
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- This isn't really us, is it?- No.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23Let's go and have a look. Oh, it's outside. A little veranda.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- Yeah, yeah. What do you reckon? - Never.- If we could buy it...- Never.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- If we could afford it and have the money to do it up...- Never.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32You sound like you are really warming up the idea.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- Could the price help turn things around?- Come on.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- Do you want to reveal?- You ready? - Go.- I'm quite excited.- Go.
0:12:43 > 0:12:50Oh, my God. Seriously, 224,000 for this? Wow.
0:12:50 > 0:12:51I thought it would be a lot less.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55Even if it was £100,000, you wouldn't want to buy it.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- So it's pretty irrelevant really.- No!
0:12:57 > 0:12:59It was safe to say the second property
0:12:59 > 0:13:02fell into the definite "no" category.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07The final house was in the North Shore,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09just 20 minutes from central Auckland.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13Surrounded by cafes, shops and located close to the beach,
0:13:13 > 0:13:16it potentially offered something for everyone.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- This looks nice.- It does. It looks more our sort of taste.- Yes.
0:13:23 > 0:13:30- Spacious.- Yes.- It is nice, isn't it? - Very nice. It is a really nice size.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34That was a much happier-sounding Amanda.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35It is a good space.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40I can see us making it more our kind of... Wa-hey!
0:13:41 > 0:13:45More our kind of house.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48With two fair-sized bedrooms for the children, and a thumbs up
0:13:48 > 0:13:54from Amanda for the master bedroom, was she coming round to Kiwi living?
0:13:54 > 0:13:55Lovely!
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I can see the potential in this house. Yes.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00You can see us living somewhere like this.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Outside, the children had been exploring the garden.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Do you like it?- Yes.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09And Amanda had found something specially designed for Teo.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Have a look inside. You would be in heaven, darling.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- Look, it's got a wheelbarrow! - A wheelbarrow!
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Finally, it looked like they had found a real contender.
0:14:19 > 0:14:24- The house is the right size.- Yes. - With a little bit of work...
0:14:24 > 0:14:26With a little bit of cosmetic work, changes here and there
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- and the layout.- But it's liveable. - It's definitely liveable.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35But I think over time it would probably be a good option.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- Good, good. I'm glad. I like it too. - Wow, we've agreed on something.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43But would the £250,000 be enough?
0:14:43 > 0:14:46It was all riding on the turn of the card.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- OK, go on, then.- Let's have a look.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52BOTH: Ooh!
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- OK.- Blimey. It's bang on 500,000.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Is it better than you thought?
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- Yeah, I thought it would be about 275 or something.- Yeah.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- That's a good price. It's exciting!- Yeah.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08House-hunting hadn't gone well.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12Property one was a disappointment for Amanda.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- And the second house might as well have been on the moon.- Never.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24But the final, much more affordable house had got everyone excited.
0:15:24 > 0:15:30Had Amanda seen enough to start the week with a vote for New Zealand?
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Based on the three properties we've seen today, we are
0:15:32 > 0:15:34going to vote for...
0:15:43 > 0:15:44- Middle!- OTHERS: UK!
0:15:46 > 0:15:48So why were you undecided?
0:15:48 > 0:15:52I like our house at home but the gardens in New Zealand seen
0:15:52 > 0:15:54to be bigger than the ones we have at home.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- Really? You think it is bigger than our garden?- Yes.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59We've made our home really nice and I think the houses
0:15:59 > 0:16:03we saw today weren't anything that I would want to live in.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06The cost of the houses here in comparison for what you get
0:16:06 > 0:16:09and everything, just on the three we've seen, I was...
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- They weren't the right home?- No.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Hopefully, tomorrow, with work and the schools it'll be a better day.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Yes, I am looking forward to tomorrow.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24At home, Teo had built a successful career as a consultant
0:16:24 > 0:16:28social worker, but he was realistic about his prospects down under.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33I would probably be having to almost take a step down if I was going to
0:16:33 > 0:16:37go to New Zealand, because I have got more of a managerial position here.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Almost certainly I would earn less money. But I accept that.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43That is not really going to bother me.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Teo had hoped to find work from day one in New Zealand.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Amanda wanted to track down a school that felt right for the children.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Alfie is very academic, Bella is very artistic,
0:16:56 > 0:17:02so I would need to find a school that combines both of those things,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05because I want them both to do as well as they can.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08To find out what the job market was like for social workers
0:17:08 > 0:17:11from overseas, Teo went to meet Pru and Kristin from
0:17:11 > 0:17:15a recruitment agency specialising in health care professionals.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- The New Zealand health system is very comparable to the UK.- Is it?
0:17:20 > 0:17:24And that is why we find that the UK health professionals are quite
0:17:24 > 0:17:27sought-after in New Zealand, because they tend to hit the ground
0:17:27 > 0:17:30running because the systems are so comparable.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Brilliant, that is very good.
0:17:32 > 0:17:33If they decided to emigrate,
0:17:33 > 0:17:37Amanda wanted a school to be in place before they arrived,
0:17:37 > 0:17:40so she spent the day visiting one that had been recommended.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41Welcome to Milford School.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44It is good that you could come along today to have a look at the way
0:17:44 > 0:17:47we do things here in New Zealand. You'll probably have lots of questions so Mum
0:17:47 > 0:17:51and both of you can ask as many questions as you like.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Brilliant, thank you.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Headmistress Lee Hopkirk gave them the guided tour.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Look at the trips, Alfie, they are on their boats and things like that.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- That looks amazing.- It was from our outdoor education week.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08So that's when we had... The year five classes went out to
0:18:08 > 0:18:11lots of different outdoor activities in the week.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14There's a lot better school trips than we have.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18This was a state school but away trips weren't free and Teo
0:18:18 > 0:18:23needed to know his salary would provide enough for all their needs.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26You could expect to be, you know, minimum, step five.
0:18:26 > 0:18:32Which is roughly NZ61,362.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36However, you know, there are many steps on here. It goes up to 15.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38And here it details how you move up,
0:18:38 > 0:18:44as you sort of progressed through, you know, your years.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46That is really good actually, yes.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49That was similar to Teo's earnings back home,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52and for a lower grade, but was there work available for him?
0:18:52 > 0:18:56I think you would be a great candidate for people.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58That sounds very good.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Yeah, really good. OK, thank you. That's excellent.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04It looked like Teo could find a good position, but back
0:19:04 > 0:19:08at the school, Alfie and Isabella had a few questions of their own.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12We do maths and crayoning and writing. The same probably.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- How often do you do art? - At least once a week.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20This school seemed to be an ideal fit for the children offering
0:19:20 > 0:19:22art, high standards and sport.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24But would it be easy to place them?
0:19:24 > 0:19:28We are a very popular school and our numbers are really high, so much so
0:19:28 > 0:19:31that we are not letting our numbers get any higher than they are.
0:19:31 > 0:19:32Oh, right, OK.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37You have to be living in the school zone to be able to come to Milford School.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40And if you're not, then the only way in would be through a ballot.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44It looked like good schools were hard to get into wherever
0:19:44 > 0:19:46they were, but was Amanda impressed?
0:19:46 > 0:19:50The kids really love it and the teachers seem really friendly
0:19:50 > 0:19:53and welcoming, so yeah, it's put my mind at ease and made me
0:19:53 > 0:19:55feel a lot happier.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58And after his day of job-hunting, what was Teo's verdict?
0:19:58 > 0:20:01Based on my work interview today,
0:20:01 > 0:20:03I'm going to vote for...
0:20:05 > 0:20:07..New Zealand!
0:20:07 > 0:20:11I'm reassured by the salary. It's very comparable to the UK.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Before Teo could share his views with everyone,
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Alfie chipped in first.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- Was it good?- Yeah.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- Is it?- Yeah.- And they do do football.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- Soccer.- Yeah.- Do they call it soccer?- Yeah.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- Did they say they do netball, Bella? - Yeah, every week they do art.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- Do they?- Yeah.- Lots of art around the school, wasn't there?
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- What did you think, Bella? - It's cool.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34- It's like a really big adventure. - Yeah.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- Can we go and play now? - Yep. Course you can.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39OK! Go on, then!
0:20:39 > 0:20:42It was time for Teo and Amanda to catch up.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- I'm just wondering how you got on today. How did it go?- Yeah!
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Excellent! They were pretty positive.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51They said you'd probably start on around 61,000, I think.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- Mmm. Is that for a basic social worker?- Yeah.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- So, there is quite a lot of progression after that.- Oh, really?
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Oh, that's OK, then.- Yeah.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03But they were very positive about the prospect.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05So, how does it make you feel about moving here now?
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- It's made me feel a little bit better.- Yeah.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10It's not made me suddenly want to come out here,
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- just because of a school - there's so many different factors.- Mmm.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15But, yeah, that part of it has been really positive.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17And it made the kids feel happy.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19As long as they're at ease and they
0:21:19 > 0:21:21know it's not going to be big and scary for them,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- then it puts my mind at rest.- Yeah.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30But could the Armes afford to live in New Zealand?
0:21:30 > 0:21:34We compared a comparison of their expenses at home and down under
0:21:34 > 0:21:36to see if they could afford Kiwi life.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- Whoa, look at aubergines!- Crikey! The kids don't like them anyway, so...!
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- They'll be happy! - Maybe I'll grow them.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- You can grow them!- OK. Loo roll...
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Slightly cheaper.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Yeah, but is it tracing paper or is it toilet roll?
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Despite some items being more expensive,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56their weekly shop was only £15 more in New Zealand.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01That difference per week is not a huge amount,
0:22:01 > 0:22:03and as we know, we can, erm...
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- save on...- That's an average, that's fine, isn't it?- Yep.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- That's nothing.- That's all right.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11They based their calculations on Teo's salary in New Zealand,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14which they hoped would be about the same as he earned in the UK.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17But there was a big problem.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19We'd still be worse off, because, simple fact is,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- our mortgage would jump hugely... - Mmm.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24..from £500 a month at home...
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- Yeah.- ..to round about 956 here.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- We've been lucky with the mortgage at home.- Mmm.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Mmm.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35It's doable, but we won't have much left each month.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38With only one salary, the figures didn't look great,
0:22:38 > 0:22:41so did they think the move was worth it?
0:22:41 > 0:22:45So, based on the cost of living between here and the UK,
0:22:45 > 0:22:47our vote goes to...
0:22:54 > 0:22:55..UK.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- Yes, UK, has to be.- Yeah.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01My heart is saying to me, we can still do it, and I know we can,
0:23:01 > 0:23:03erm, but my brain is saying,
0:23:03 > 0:23:05erm,
0:23:05 > 0:23:08it's still quite a lot of money, and the worry is,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- how much would we have left over each month?- I don't want to be skint.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13We've got enough to be here. So,
0:23:13 > 0:23:15it's the quality of life I think you'd have here still.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- Erm...- Yeah, but...
0:23:17 > 0:23:21with that amount of money left, there wouldn't be much quality of life.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24You couldn't go out for the extra meal or for the extra thing,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- and the holidays and flights home and... It just...- Mmm.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31That's not going to be enough money, it's just not...
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- OK.- The figures don't work out.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Finances were a set back for Teo,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43but would a taste of the Kiwi lifestyle help convince the family
0:23:43 > 0:23:46his dream still had legs?
0:23:46 > 0:23:49At home, Alfie was a budding player with Norwich City Soccer School.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51So, during their trial week,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54the Armes visited a similar club in Auckland,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56to give him a chance of comparing teams.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02While Alfie warmed up, Amanda got chatting to one of the other mums.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- So you come here every... How many times a week?- Sometimes three.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- Really?- Depending on the Saturday because he does training.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12I'm a bit of a fair-weather football mum so I only come out
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- when it's sunny and dry!- So you don't even watch on a Saturday if it's raining?- I... No.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19That's a good way coming over here to meet people, if you did come and watch.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- Yes, I might have to change my outlook on that.- You might.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27On the pitch, Alfie wasn't having any trouble fitting in.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- Lovely!- And finish it.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Good. Well finished.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36So I was thinking if you wanted to sign Alfie,
0:24:36 > 0:24:38we could sort of have a chat with a beer afterwards.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40I was thinking sort of 500 grand.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43For nine, he's got some great skills.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46He seems enthusiastic, as well.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48500,000 - for how long?
0:24:48 > 0:24:53Teo was already making friends but Amanda still had worries.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55I think I'm just going to have to get my head around
0:24:55 > 0:24:58just the lifestyle change, not only a big move...
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- Yeah, I'm more than happy to help you when you arrive.- Excellent.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- You will love it when you come next, for sure.- Yeah.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08Amanda seemed to be starting to fit in, so it was time to indulge
0:25:08 > 0:25:10Isabella with a treat.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17After a busy morning, time together on the beach was the perfect way
0:25:17 > 0:25:19to consider the week so far.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24I'd be stupid to even say, "No, I wouldn't want to live here."
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- It's lovely.- Yeah.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29But there's so many other things to consider.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31- This is pretty good, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34I mean, the kids are well catered, there's so much they can do.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37- Looks like it's all about family. - It is, yeah.- Families, children.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Yeah, the activities the kids can get involved in,
0:25:40 > 0:25:44like after-school clubs and different..sailing...
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- On that front...- You are won over. - I'm won over by that, totally.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49It's lovely, yeah.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53It had been a great day for everyone but had the Auckland lifestyle
0:25:53 > 0:25:58worked enough magic for Amanda to overcome all her fears and worries?
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Based on our lifestyle in New Zealand,
0:26:01 > 0:26:03our vote goes to...
0:26:14 > 0:26:15- ALL: New Zealand!- New Zealand.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Whoo, Bella, you did it, yay.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23How come you chose it because I didn't think you were going to?
0:26:23 > 0:26:25I like it here.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28The weather is nicer than at home.
0:26:28 > 0:26:29It's horrible and rainy.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- Yeah, well done, Bell.- Brilliant.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I like that they do football and it's good coaching.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Yeah, Brilliant.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40It's really... It's sunny here and it's got loads of beaches
0:26:40 > 0:26:43- and the place is surrounded by water.- Yeah.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Not much to choose from, Alfie.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Alfie's just speaking for me, as well, there.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52This is the easiest vote because the lifestyle is fantastic.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56The Kiwi lifestyle had shown Amanda she could enjoy time in New Zealand,
0:26:56 > 0:27:00after all, but it was the thought of leaving family and loved ones behind
0:27:00 > 0:27:02that had always been her biggest fear.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05How did she react to messages from back home?
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- Do you want to watch this, are you happy to watch it?- Yeah.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- You're not going to get too upset, or anything?- No.
0:27:10 > 0:27:11OK, let's watch.
0:27:13 > 0:27:14Hello, Teo and Amanda
0:27:14 > 0:27:16and Bella and Alfie,
0:27:16 > 0:27:18I hope you're enjoying yourselves.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Bella's a little madam, isn't she?
0:27:20 > 0:27:22THEY LAUGH
0:27:22 > 0:27:24They are absolutely brilliant.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- Brilliant, yeah.- Aren't they?- Yeah.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28With tragedy that's just happened in the family
0:27:28 > 0:27:31I can see more clearly that he wants to live his dream.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34He wants to get out there and do what he wants to do.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37After losing one brother, it does to me
0:27:37 > 0:27:39it does feel a bit like I'll be losing the other
0:27:39 > 0:27:42because I don't know how often we'd be able
0:27:42 > 0:27:43to get out there and see them.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47I don't want you to go, you know that. Erm, all of you.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50I'd like to see my two grandchildren grow up.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53I'd like to see Alfie play for Norwich.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57They've both got jobs at the moment, they've got a nice house,
0:27:57 > 0:28:02a nice environment, friends and family.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04I can't really understand that.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08Deep down I hope she doesn't go but...
0:28:08 > 0:28:12There's a part of me that would like them to be around
0:28:12 > 0:28:15but that's just me being selfish, really.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17I think, for them, it would be wonderful.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21I know there'll be a few boxes to tick off
0:28:21 > 0:28:24before you make your right decision. I know you'll make the right one.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28I will miss you very, very, very much.
0:28:28 > 0:28:29TEO: Aw....
0:28:29 > 0:28:33It would be another emptiness for me in my life.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37But I'm prepared to take that sacrifice and live your dream
0:28:37 > 0:28:41and I'll just be there and come and see you as soon as I can
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- Oh, blimey. - That threw you, didn't it?- Yeah.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48It was pretty supportive, really, wasn't it?
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Yeah, positive. I knew my mum would be supportive, as well.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54I can see it breaking her heart but...
0:28:54 > 0:28:58- I think they can understand, they can understand.- Yeah.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03Watching messages showed the Armes just how much
0:29:03 > 0:29:06heartache their departure would cause.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08But if Teo was to realise his dream,
0:29:08 > 0:29:11it would be a price they'd have to pay.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13I really like it. I can't fault the place.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16There is nothing... It's lovely.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19There's nothing I can say against it.
0:29:19 > 0:29:24My dilemma is, do I give it a chance and do it for Teo...
0:29:26 > 0:29:30And maybe not just for myself, I don't know.
0:29:30 > 0:29:31I'm just not...
0:29:31 > 0:29:33I just don't think I can do it.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36Erm, there is always going to be minuses because they will be
0:29:36 > 0:29:41without family and cousins and friends, who they have left behind.
0:29:41 > 0:29:46But, erm, the bonus of being outside and having an active
0:29:46 > 0:29:48kind of lifestyle outweighs that.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52I can see how happy he is, he loves it and he's just like alive.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56He's come to life with everything and so has Alfie.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Bella's loving every minute of it, as well.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00If Amanda does vote for the UK,
0:30:00 > 0:30:03we'll probably have many conversations, I would imagine,
0:30:03 > 0:30:06just for the next few weeks, maybe the next month or two
0:30:06 > 0:30:10and then I don't think I would say it again, or bring it up.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14You know, there's no point flogging a... Is it a dead horse,
0:30:14 > 0:30:16is that the saying?
0:30:17 > 0:30:19I need to stop being selfish, really,
0:30:19 > 0:30:24and do things for others, rather than holding them all back.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28It was the end of their trial week and time for their final vote.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31Had Amanda been able to put her doubts behind her
0:30:31 > 0:30:33and join Teo in his dream?
0:30:33 > 0:30:36Based on our week here in New Zealand,
0:30:36 > 0:30:37our vote is going to go to...
0:30:44 > 0:30:45New Zealand!
0:30:45 > 0:30:47Oh!
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Oh, UK!
0:30:49 > 0:30:52You've gone UK. Amanda, you've gone New Zealand.
0:30:52 > 0:30:53Only with a discussion.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58It's not a definite we're coming next week or next month.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00It is, erm, yeah...
0:31:00 > 0:31:01We shall see.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04- Oh, Bella...- You've gone UK? - I know why.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08- Is it Nanny?- Yeah.
0:31:09 > 0:31:10Oh...
0:31:10 > 0:31:12Oh, Bella B.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17I want my nanny.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19We haven't decided.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22We've got lots of talking to do, it's not a definite decision, OK?
0:31:22 > 0:31:25We wouldn't do anything that you didn't want to do, as well, OK?
0:31:25 > 0:31:26We've got lots of talking to do.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42When we last saw the Armes,
0:31:42 > 0:31:45the family's trial week in New Zealand had persuaded Amanda
0:31:45 > 0:31:48the country could offer them the life they wanted.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51But with Bella unconvinced, it was far from clear
0:31:51 > 0:31:55if the move would really be on the cards.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59So, one year on, where are the Armes family now?
0:32:01 > 0:32:03The Armes are currently in...
0:32:08 > 0:32:10..New Zealand!
0:32:13 > 0:32:16The family made the big move down under and are now living
0:32:16 > 0:32:20on the North Island in the seaside town of Oakura.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26When Amanda said, "Yes," I was...really surprised.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30I was really chuffed, really excited. I was thrilled.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Then she kind of put a little caveat in saying,
0:32:33 > 0:32:36"Oh, we need to talk about it."
0:32:36 > 0:32:41It came with a few conditions that we had to discuss quite a lot.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44I agreed to do it for two years.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48You knew I wanted to go but I said it's up to you.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51And then you said, "Let's go for it, let's do it."
0:32:51 > 0:32:57And that left just one person to be convinced, Isabella.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00I think we may have told her that she'd get a pony
0:33:00 > 0:33:03but we don't have a pony and we live by the beach.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06The horse might not have materialised
0:33:06 > 0:33:09but every thing else was coming together.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12I started looking online on the internet for different jobs
0:33:12 > 0:33:15and I saw three jobs that I, potentially,
0:33:15 > 0:33:18could do in the place where I'd like to be.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Within weeks Teo had landed himself a job in the town
0:33:21 > 0:33:24of New Plymouth on New Zealand's North Island.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27The speed at which events moved surprised everyone,
0:33:27 > 0:33:28especially Amanda.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31- It was pressure, wasn't it? - I didn't expect you to get a job
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- so quickly.- I didn't expect to get a job so quickly.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36Yeah, even though I said, "Yeah, let's do it."
0:33:36 > 0:33:39You kept saying, "Hurry up and get a job, hurry up..."
0:33:39 > 0:33:41And then he got the job and I was like,
0:33:41 > 0:33:45"I don't really. I don't want to do it now."
0:33:45 > 0:33:47As the time to leave got closer,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Amanda began to think she had made a terrible mistake.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55I had decided from the point where we'd had our leaving parties
0:33:55 > 0:33:58and drinks and things like that
0:33:58 > 0:34:00I just didn't want to leave everyone.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03I kept thinking, "I've got really nice family, all my friends here.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05"I've had friends for years, I've got new friends.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09"I've got a job that I like. I've got...
0:34:09 > 0:34:14"We had a nice income, we had everything most people would want."
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Then we were just going to give it all up
0:34:17 > 0:34:20to, supposedly, have a better life.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26But it was too late, the wheels were already in motion.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31- At that point we had... - Rented somewhere.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- We were going, weren't we? - We had paid for everything.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37At that point, it was done, everything was bought, paid for.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Ship's gone, done.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43By the time departure day came, Amanda was reaching breaking point.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46The drive to the airport was tense.
0:34:48 > 0:34:53Quiet intense with the music on, just to try and keep us,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56yeah, keep us on an even keel.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00We got to the airport and we checked our luggage in
0:35:00 > 0:35:02and I just lost it.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05I really just lost it, I just burst into tears.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07I was like, "I don't want to go.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09"I don't want to go." So, yeah...
0:35:09 > 0:35:12Then we didn't really speak much on the flight.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14It was really bad.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18Really bad, really bad, yeah.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22But Amanda's cold feet couldn't keep Teo down for long.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24Landing in Auckland, that was good,
0:35:24 > 0:35:26because we felt we'd been in Auckland and we liked Auckland.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29And it felt good to be there and it felt different
0:35:29 > 0:35:30because we were coming to live.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33But then we were more nervous because we had to get our internal
0:35:33 > 0:35:36flight down to New Plymouth which we hadn't seen, and as we got
0:35:36 > 0:35:41right to New Plymouth and we could see the coastline, it was beautiful
0:35:41 > 0:35:45and green and lush, and you could see the big mountains in the background.
0:35:45 > 0:35:52And me and Alfie both got really excited. He was like, "Nice one, Dad!"
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Alfie was won over by New Zealand's charms.
0:35:55 > 0:36:00I love the sea and how close everything is
0:36:00 > 0:36:02and how close school is.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06Alfie adapted, I think pretty much from the minute
0:36:06 > 0:36:07he got off the plane.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13And even Bella, the little one who didn't want to be here,
0:36:13 > 0:36:17really, as soon as they went to school, everything changed.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19I like it that it's always sunny
0:36:19 > 0:36:23because in England you only get one week of sun when it is the summer.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29And over here you can just go in the sea and you can get surfboards
0:36:29 > 0:36:32and boogie boards and there's a skate park just down the road,
0:36:32 > 0:36:34and everyone's friendly.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38They were, they made friends, friends were coming over,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41they were going to stay with their friends and, yeah,
0:36:41 > 0:36:45they seem to have just sort of... Yeah, they love it.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49And Alfie is still playing his beloved football,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52but does his new team live up to his high standards?
0:36:52 > 0:36:54When I first moved over to here,
0:36:54 > 0:36:58I wasn't sure about how good they'd be but they have lived
0:36:58 > 0:37:03up to my expectations and they have gone higher, a lot higher!
0:37:03 > 0:37:06For Teo, New Zealand was everything he had hoped for.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10When you can go to work, get home, be on the beach,
0:37:10 > 0:37:14go in the sea, all the kids are in the sea, other dads,
0:37:14 > 0:37:18mums, people coming out at six, seven o'clock at night, going surfing,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20going kayaking, fishing,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23and then you turn round and you've got the view of the mountain
0:37:23 > 0:37:27and you just think, you can walk home in five minutes.
0:37:27 > 0:37:28We would leave him at the beach on his own
0:37:28 > 0:37:31because he'd be more excited than the kids.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34The beach lifestyle isn't the only thing Teo's impressed with.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37He is also enjoying his new job as a care manager,
0:37:37 > 0:37:41very similar to the social work he had been doing back home in the UK.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43But with a Kiwi twist.
0:37:43 > 0:37:49An excellent attitude... to kind of a work-life balance.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52They expect you to work but also it's not the be all and end all.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56They appreciate that people have got other things in life,
0:37:56 > 0:38:00families and yeah.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02I like it. I like it, it's good.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09But while Teo was living the life he had always dreamed of,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Amanda was struggling to cope with the reality of life away
0:38:12 > 0:38:13from her friends and family.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15Teo would be at work, the kids would be at school,
0:38:15 > 0:38:20so I would be on my own all the time. And that drove me insane.
0:38:20 > 0:38:25I think it was just being on my own and not having anyone to talk to.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27I spent most of my life on Skype.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31After having had such a close relationship with her parents in the UK,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34only child Amanda really struggled with the distance.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36You miss the family?
0:38:36 > 0:38:41- Basically, who, your mum and dad?- Mm.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45- You've just found it hard, haven't you?- Really hard.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47It's probably one of the worst,
0:38:47 > 0:38:52one of the worst things we have gone through together.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56We argue anyway but it has made us argue.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59You start thinking, well, you did, I didn't, I was just
0:38:59 > 0:39:02thinking I would get on with it but you were starting to think...
0:39:02 > 0:39:06- I blamed you...- "I can't be here, this is your fault, look what you've done."
0:39:08 > 0:39:11But... We got through it.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14The turning point for Amanda came when, after two months,
0:39:14 > 0:39:18the family moved from New Plymouth to the nearby village of Oakura.
0:39:18 > 0:39:23I like living here. I like it because it's modern.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25Our furniture fits in.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28And it wasn't just Amanda who liked their new house.
0:39:28 > 0:39:33This is my room and this is where I chill. It's really cool.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40The three-bedroom house the family are renting has everything
0:39:40 > 0:39:44- they need for their new life. - The garden is small but...
0:39:44 > 0:39:45It is not too big, is it?
0:39:45 > 0:39:48We don't really use the garden because we are always at the beach.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52While the family are loving the new house, city girl Amanda is
0:39:52 > 0:39:55also surprised at how much she is enjoying the change of scene.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58I never, ever thought I would live in a village.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01I have always said I would never live in a village, ever.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05But it doesn't feel that isolated here.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09It feels, there is a nice community feel.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Finally, Amanda had people she could talk to.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15As soon as we came to this village,
0:40:15 > 0:40:20within days we had met half our street.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Yes, we met the Armes family just before Christmas.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28I think they were about to move in and they drove up
0:40:28 > 0:40:32in their rented car with a lamp in the back and they all jumped out.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35I think the kids had their scooters and my kids had their scooters
0:40:35 > 0:40:37and we just, yeah, we got on really well.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39It was a good time that we first met them, yeah.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Kiwi hospitality was just what Amanda had been looking for.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47They have become a wonderful part of this community.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49We go to the beach most afternoons.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53We have had them over for a few drinks. Quite a few barbecues.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56Teo has invited us over for some Lebanese food, so yes,
0:40:56 > 0:40:58they have been wonderful, awesome.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02It is literally like Neighbours, the TV show.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06So we were welcomed, as soon as we got here.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09The people in New Plymouth call it the Shire, out here,
0:41:09 > 0:41:12because it is quite English.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16So we have met quite a lot of English people too, haven't we?
0:41:16 > 0:41:19And they have all been really good because the English people
0:41:19 > 0:41:22have all obviously emigrated and been through what we've been through.
0:41:22 > 0:41:23They've all got children.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27And having people who knew what she'd been through was
0:41:27 > 0:41:31- a massive help to Amanda. - I don't feel alone any more.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- I know I can phone someone or... - Yeah.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37That someone's there if I need them.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40And I don't know, I guess I've always felt that that would happen
0:41:40 > 0:41:44and you'd be all right and you'd get there.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46As Amanda settles into her new life,
0:41:46 > 0:41:50she is appreciating just what New Zealand can offer her family.
0:41:50 > 0:41:55We do spend much more time as a family, which is a positive thing.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- We go to the beach together.- I love being able to walk to the beach.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00I love living near the sea.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06We go into town and we never really used to do things like that.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08I'd go off and do my own thing, you'd do your own thing.
0:42:08 > 0:42:13- That's true.- So we do spend quality time as a family.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15So six months after their move,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18how does Teo think the family would vote now?
0:42:18 > 0:42:21I reckon, as a family we would all vote New Zealand.
0:42:21 > 0:42:27And I think the kids have got good friends,
0:42:27 > 0:42:32I think Amanda would go New Zealand, mainly because as a family,
0:42:32 > 0:42:34she thinks it is good for all of us.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38And I know I definitely prefer New Zealand, because it's got everything.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42The kids love it, Teo loves it. It is a lovely place.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49What a year it has been for the Armes.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52The last 12 months has seen a very emotional
0:42:52 > 0:42:54and life-changing move for them all.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58And it's been a roller coaster of emotions for Amanda
0:42:58 > 0:43:01as she initially struggled to cope with life down under.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04But, she's toughed it out and it now looks like the family
0:43:04 > 0:43:08are enjoying the New Zealand way of life together.
0:43:08 > 0:43:09Just as Teo imagined.