Crawford Family Wanted Down Under

All you want is for your young family to enjoy

a healthy outdoors childhood in a safe environment,

but when you've already uprooted them twice,

can you really convince your partner to do it all over again?

South African born Candice is struggling to settle

in the British climate.

I just find that I lose all sense of me and all sense of purpose.

I need the sun to thrive.

A trial week in New Zealand could see her convinced

life is better on the other side of the world.

My mood has completely changed.

You don't feel like you've left home,

you feel like you've come home.

But if she can't get Geordie husband Sean on board...

I can't go to a new country and be worse off than we are currently.

..Candice's future could remain under a cloud.

With a population of almost half that of London

and over 2,000 hours of sunshine each year,

it's no wonder New Zealand's a draw for Brits

seeking a brighter future down under.

But achieving the dream lifestyle on the other side of the world

doesn't always work out, and every year,

many return with their dreams shattered.

Candice Crawford uprooted her husband and children

to relocate to South Africa in 2010,

but while the weather was everything she wanted,

the move left them fearing for their safety,

and five years after arriving,

they returned to the UK.

But Candice can't settle.

Desperate to give her young family a healthy outdoor lifestyle,

she has now set her sights on New Zealand.

So, will a week down under be enough to convince husband Sean

it's worth displacing the family yet again

to make a new life in a country

neither of them have ever even visited?

The Crawfords had been travelling for almost 72 hours

by the time they finally touched down in New Zealand,

and it shows.

The flight was absolutely exhausting.

Long, long flight.

Very long.

They've only had a birds-eye view of the country so far,

but they're impressed.

Shannon and I kind of worked the camera's phone memory.

We've taken so many photos.

It's absolutely beautiful.

Candice is already feeling the benefits of the southern hemisphere.

Everyone has been so friendly, and everyone is so chilled out.

It's just, it's so different.

It makes you feel lighter.

And having made it halfway around the globe, Sean's raring to go.

You know, now we're here, I just want us all to get going

and start seeing things. Good start so far.

Let's hope the positivity continues in the week ahead.

At the end of it, the family will have to make up their minds

once and for all where their future lies.

The Crawford family are dad Sean,

mum Candice,

Shannon, who is nine,

and seven-year-old Nathan.

They live in County Durham in England.

South-African-born Candice met Sean during a working holiday

in the UK in 2005.

We met through our mutual friend Gemma, and she said to me,

"I just know someone who would be perfect for you."

We hit it off straightaway,

and we started going out in the June.

A whirlwind romance followed, and one year later,

the couple were married.

Shannon came soon after,

so it was adapting to married life and becoming parents.

Two years on, Nathan arrived, and the couple settled into

raising their young family,

but Candice found it hard to adjust to life in England.

Candice was very homesick.

She missed all of her family and everything,

cos she left South Africa when she was, you know, quite young.

I got quite depressed.

And I started seeing a counsellor, and I was on tablets and everything,

and it's just...it's no way to live.

Yearning for some sunshine,

Candice had had enough of being in the UK.

I actually gave Sean an ultimatum of

we either give it a go in South Africa

or I'd have to go back by myself.

With their future happiness at stake, Sean agreed to make the move.

Being back on home turf proved just the tonic for Candice.

I got happier, our marriage got stronger.

We had a great social life, our kids had wonderful friends.

Everyone was sorted. I think the sun gives people a lot of happiness.

But not everything was perfect with their new life.

You never felt 100% safe.

You always had to have your doors locked.

There were bars on nearly every window.

It just became a struggle.

Things came to a head one morning during the school run.

I was on my way, taking the kids to school,

and a taxi ran us off the road,

and it wasn't only that he ran us off the road,

he laughed at us while the kids were in hysterics.

In spite of all the positives South Africa offered,

Candice felt they had no option but to get out.

Why should we live there and have our children in fear

every single day of their lives? Because from that moment,

Shannon and Nathan were never the same again.

The family packed up their lives again,

and returned to the relative safety of the UK,

but less than one year on...

I can't settle.

There's... I just find that I lose all sense of me

and all sense of purpose.

I need the sun to thrive in life,

and I need my outdoor lifestyle.

And over here, I'm not getting that.

The weather is the be-all and end-all, to be honest.

It's a big factor.

It's not the kind of future Candice wants for her young family.

I feel, with being indoors all the time, it's suffocating.

And I don't feel it's a way to bring up our kids.

To me, there's not as much laughter as there used to be,

and I really want to get that back.

And although Sean is content to be back home...

I do feel fairly settled.

..he knows things have to change.

But obviously, as a complete package,

as a family, we're not 100% happy.

It puts a huge wedge between us,

because, obviously, England is home to you.

Now, Candice believes she's found the perfect place for her family.

New Zealand seems to offer us the peace of mind

of the outdoor lifestyle

and the safety of being here in England.

But Sean's going to need a lot of convincing

before he'll consider uprooting yet again.

We'll have to have a beautiful house.

You know, the kids have to have a fantastic school,

financially better off, you know, decent jobs to go to.

I can't go to a new country and be worse off than we are currently.

And much as she wants to go,

Candice realises the decision to emigrate can't be made lightly.

I'm a bit nervous in case it bombs out, cos what then?

-Yeah, your dream would end if it's not what you think.

-Yeah.

I mean, I'm desperate to have a change of lifestyle,

but making sure that everyone would be happy, not just me.

Cos I'd hate to go over

for you to be in my position

or the kids to be in my position.

I think it has to make sense for everybody, not just one.

For their trial week, the family are staying in Tauranga,

the fifth largest city in New Zealand's North Island.

Home for the week is a three-bedroom beach house.

So, what will their first impressions of Kiwi living be?

It's wooden!

Oh, this is nice.

Oh, look, it's got a little back courtyard.

-Big windows.

-Oh, it's nice.

So far, so good.

The master bedroom opens onto a sunny decking area,

which should please Candice.

Wow. I really like this.

The house has patios front and rear.

It's a nice little courtyard.

You can have some morning breakfast here, hey?

Sean's got a better idea.

Sit here for a few beers.

Surprisingly, Candice is keen to get back indoors.

The sun...

I'm not used to it.

Shannon and Nathan seem settled,

but Mum's finding it hard to unwind.

I think I'm just being apprehensive, because it's all suddenly real.

Sean's feeling more relaxed.

I was kind of coming blind,

but I've been pleasantly surprised with what I've seen so far.

But addressing his worries in the days ahead will be key.

The main one for me to...

to make me want to move here is being financially better off.

As long as it all ties in, then I'm open to it.

This could be, potentially, the life that we want to lead.

We've done a lot of growing,

and now we kind of just want to do that grown-up part.

Fingers crossed it all works out by the end of the week.

Back in England, the Crawfords rent a three-storey,

four-bedroom new-build in the market town of Bernard Castle.

It's a lovely house, lovely area, but we don't have a garage,

we don't literally have cupboards

to, you know, to store things in.

The couple plan to buy a home in New Zealand,

and have set themselves a budget of £335,000.

Candice has a clear idea of what she wants from a Kiwi home.

Space. We really like the whole open-plan entertainment

sort of feel to a house.

Big kitchen island. A walk-in wardrobe would be nice.

THEY LAUGH

And a nice yard for the kids, because they love being outdoors.

There has to be a space to play football.

I'm not happy if there isn't, so...

To give them an idea of what their money could buy in New Zealand,

today we'll show them three properties.

Two on budget, and one which should match their vision of a dream home.

House-hunting begins in Welcome Bay.

12 minutes drive from Tauranga city,

it's a family friendly beach-side suburb

often described as the area's best-kept secret.

But will this stone built,

three-bedroom house have the space the Crawfords are looking for?

Nice palm trees.

-Garage, that's always a bonus.

-Yeah, it is.

It's a double as well.

It looks like a nice house.

Yeah.

This is nice.

-I like the massive TV.

-This is lovely.

Things are off to a good start.

It would fit our furniture really well.

-NATHAN:

-Nice view.

-That's really pretty.

Nice dining area.

Yeah, it's definitely a really good size.

Nice size, yeah.

I quite like the kitchen looking out into the garden.

I quite like it, just a little bit small.

Size certainly isn't an issue with the master bedroom.

Oh, this is a really good-sized room.

-This is nice.

-Hey?

-I really like this.

-It's lovely.

-Is that en suite, by chance?

-I'm hoping. There we go.

-It is.

-Oh, nice.

-There's a shower and a bath.

It's actually the family bathroom,

but Sean has spotted something missing.

-Is there no toilet in here?

-I don't know.

Oh, no. There's not.

-Where's the toilet?

-Just a bath and shower.

Candice doesn't mind.

That's actually awesome.

What's through there?

-What's in there?

-The toilet!

-Ah!

-Ah, that's where it's hiding.

-THEY LAUGH

Sean is not exactly blown away with the layout.

Yeah, I feel like the house just sort of stops.

You're walking through, and then it just comes to an end.

It's also fallen short on space.

-Four rooms.

-It would be nice to have a fourth bedroom

-and maybe another bathroom, actually.

-Yeah.

Perhaps the garden will lift their spirits.

Oh, wow. Look at that, guys.

Oh, you'll have fun here.

Nathan and Shannon make themselves at home.

-SHANNON:

-Hello!

-CANDICE LAUGHS

It's a nice private garden. There's nobody looking on.

And another plus is there's plenty of room for a bit of footy.

It's double the size of garden that we've got at the moment.

-Yeah.

-Well, probably, in fact, about four times the size.

-This is lovely. I really like it.

-Yeah. I do like it.

The property has evoked a mixed response,

but with £335,000 to spend,

could they afford to call it home?

Price time.

I would say, back in England, something this size

would probably be 150,000.

Maybe up to 170.

I think you're living in a dream world.

At least 200 to 250.

Let's have a look.

Go on, Nathan.

260,000.

Wow, that's expensive.

Yeah, no, I definitely wouldn't pay that.

This is more expensive than our house in England.

-Mm.

-And we've got four beds.

-Double the size.

It's definitely not big enough for that price.

-I agree on that one.

-Seeing that price has put me further away

-to want to move here.

-Mm.

-Definitely.

OK, onto the next one. Let's go.

Only one house viewed and Sean's already digging his heels in.

It's not the best start for Candice.

Hopefully, the next property can put a more positive spin on things.

It's also in Welcome Bay.

Will this spacious, three-bedroom family home help bring Dad round?

Nice big garage.

Oh, that's a nice entrance way.

Wow, this is huge.

-SHANNON:

-There's a nice balcony.

-Oh, my word.

-I like this.

It's a promising start.

The living area has got all the space they need and more.

It's huge. We'd have to buy more furniture.

Wow, look at the size of the window.

All the better to take in the wonderful view...

..though Sean's more concerned with the interior aspect.

-Decor, dated.

-What does that mean?

It doesn't bother Candice.

I think that we could definitely put our own stamp on it.

The property's elevated position gives the perfect outlook.

Wow, what a view.

But once again, Sean can't seem to see beyond the end of his nose.

I don't like the colour of the kitchen.

-We could easily change that, though.

-Yeah, we could change it.

-It's a nice size.

-Yeah.

-It's a nice layout.

Sure about that, Sean?

This is a little bit strange.

I've never seen this set-up before.

It's a little bit outdated, but it can easily be redone.

Candice isn't going to be defeated by a bit of DIY.

-This is definitely more our style.

-Yeah.

-SHANNON:

-I like it.

And you wouldn't mind actually doing this up,

cos you could kind of grow in it.

The master bedroom is a hit.

Wow. This is a nice place.

Wow, this is huge.

It looks like there's something connected there.

There's an en suite in here.

Oh. A big shower, toilet.

It's thumbs up for the children's rooms, too.

-Yeah, this is nice.

-This is a really good-sized room.

-It looks like a Shannon room.

-SHANNON:

-No.

Well, almost.

But built-in cupboards.

I like it, but it's not mine.

-This is really big.

-So, so far,

-three good-sized bedrooms...

-A fourth would be nice, but, yeah.

It's looking really...

You haven't seen everything yet, Sean.

-This is my favourite room.

-Oh, wow.

-Oh!

The double garage has had a makeover.

Well, this could be a fourth bedroom.

Set up a nice bar or something in here.

-It would be quite nice.

-CANDICE LAUGHS

Yes, Sean.

This has a lot of potential in here.

Yeah. It doesn't feel like a garage, that's for sure.

Can we go out and play in the garden?

Yes, I think so.

It's locked.

THEY LAUGH

When they finally make it outdoors, they're impressed.

This is a really good space.

I could turn this area into a nice play area for the kids.

Down below, the neighbours are getting a little

too close for comfort.

Give him a kiss!

-NATHAN:

-Oh, he's eating the flowers!

I don't know how those bushes have survived.

He's enjoying them.

Candice seems very taken with this house.

This is amazing. I love this garden.

-Everything is perfect.

-Lovely view.

-Yeah.

-It's really good.

-Just need a bit of spare money on top

to decorate it, basically.

Hopefully it reflects in the price.

Time to find out.

The family budget is £335,000.

I really adore this house.

It's got a lot of potential for us to grow as a family

and not have to move again. Do you like this house?

-A lot.

-A lot.

So, how much do they think it's worth?

I think about...

300,000.

I was going to say between 300,000 and 350,000.

OK, shall we have a look, everybody?

Let's see...

£284,000.

£51,000 under budget.

-That's a good price.

-Yeah, I think it is.

For the area, for the views, for the size of the house.

This is more worth our money than the first house.

-Oh, yeah.

-And on our top budget,

-we would have spare money to put it to our liking.

-We would.

I think we would have enough to do it quite nicely.

This would edge me slightly closer to New Zealand.

-Would it?

-It would.

That's just what Candice needed to hear,

and there's still one property to go.

We found what we think could be the Crawford's dream home.

It's in the suburb of Otumoetai,

close to the city but with plenty of opportunities

to enjoy outdoor living.

The area could be just what the family are looking for.

This four-bedroom brick and cedar home impresses straight away.

-Oh, wow, that's very pretty.

-Mmm.

-This is nice.

-This is amazing.

Oh, this is massive.

Wow.

Oh, wow.

The perfectly positioned property has a breathtaking outlook,

which even Sean can't fail to notice.

-Lovely view.

-That is pretty, hey?

A small balcony off the main living room makes the most of the views.

The kitchen's got a pleasing feature for Candice.

That island is very nice.

-You've always wanted an island, haven't you?

-Yeah.

Loads of space for everything, isn't there?

-Yeah.

-Very, very nice.

Look at all the drawer space, Shannon.

You can have some fun with that.

Really, Mum?

-It's peaceful.

-When you're washing the dishes

you can have a lovely view and everything.

-When

-you're

-washing the dishes!

-That will be quite nice.

THEY LAUGH

Wow, that is a beautiful bedroom.

The master bedroom ticks another box for Candice.

-NATHAN:

-Big cupboard space.

-Walk-in cupboard.

-Yeah.

-SHANNON:

-Bathroom!

-Oh, it's an en suite.

-NATHAN:

-Wow, that's a massive shower.

That's really lovely. There's not a thing that you would change.

I like that a lot.

Candice can definitely picture herself living here.

I could wake up here every morning.

Yeah, definitely.

Very nice.

Making their way back downstairs, though...

I'm really not a fan of the red glass.

-Yeah, it is a bit weird.

-NATHAN:

-I love it.

The house has plenty of space for overseas guests.

-Oh, wow.

-Wow, this is a huge room.

-But...

-I don't like the colour.

I don't like this room.

I'm not comfortable in this room for some reason.

-There's a sink, here.

-Yeah.

It's very odd.

Oh.

-Weird.

-Oh, that's very odd.

Look at the shower!

Very strange, steel in the shower.

I'm not even sure I'd have guests down here, in all honesty.

Don't like it.

Things have taken a turn for the worse.

Outside, though, the scenery looks familiar.

This is identical to Durban.

It is, it looks exactly the same,

how it goes into the valleys and everything.

It may feel like home outdoors, but back indoors,

the couple can't see this house as a forever home.

What do you think?

I like the living room and the kitchen.

Then I think...

that would be the only part that would suit us as a family.

To make such a big move,

it would need to have a proper wow factor,

and I don't think this does it.

Yeah. Unfortunately not for us.

In spite of some pleasing features, it's a thumbs down for this one.

But is it somewhere they can afford

on their £335,000 budget?

OK.

I think that this might be along the lines of maybe

£425,000.

I think we're looking closer to half a million.

I think it's going to be very expensive.

OK, Shannon, let's turn it over.

£355,000.

It's £25,000 over budget, but...

That's a lot cheaper than I thought it was going to be.

Yeah, it makes me feel really good for knowing that

we could actually achieve something absolutely amazing

with views like this.

-It's the top end of our budget but it's achievable.

-Yeah.

If we both get decent jobs here,

then this size of property is possible.

It's been a mixed bag on the property front.

House number one's layout wasn't to Sean's taste,

and, although within budget, neither was the price.

Candice adored the second property, and with money left over,

she felt she could make it her own.

Finally, although property three fell short

of being the family's dream home,

it gave the couple a taste

of what they might achieve in the future.

So, based on everything they've seen today, when it comes to properties,

will the Crawfords choose home or away?

After viewing all of the properties today, our vote goes to...

-New Zealand!

-New Zealand!

I don't know!

Oh, both undecided.

One of the properties I did like a lot,

but two of them I didn't really.

And you, Nathan?

You don't know.

I had no idea until I started spinning.

That was a last-minute decision.

Pretty good that you've already voted one for New Zealand.

We'll see what the rest of the week brings.

Yeah, definitely.

Tomorrow's a big day.

Sean's vote for New Zealand

means Candice's campaign is off to a confident start.

But they'll both need to get the right jobs down under

for Sean to be convinced a move's worth the risk.

Back in the UK, he's a technical sales engineer.

It's a challenge, my work.

We're going to companies to solve problems.

His job sees him hit the road early.

Around about seven in the morning, getting home between four and five.

But the working day doesn't end there.

Paperwork can often see him burn the midnight oil.

I do really enjoy what I do.

The downside is obviously coming home

and missing my time with my family.

That's where it's taking its toll.

In South Africa, Candice worked in office management.

Since returning to the UK, she struggled to find a suitable role.

And being a stay-at-home mum just isn't enough.

Going from managing, I would say...

..at least 15 people's different schedules...

You're managing just a household,

it kind of makes you feel depleted.

She's already done some online research into office management

in New Zealand.

I definitely think that there's potential

to find quite a nice job, that side.

Sean's not feeling quite so confident.

It would have to be a complete, you know, change of job.

And I'm a bit worried that I would go to a job that I don't like.

To find out about potential roles down under,

we've arranged for Sean to visit a local manufacturer,

where he's met by chief executive Greg Jarvis.

-Hi Sean, I'm Greg. Welcome to Bluelab.

-Nice to meet you.

Let's go and have a chat.

The company designs and exports a range of controlled devices

to horticultural markets around the world,

so should fit in with Sean's technical background.

I guess the key thing for me would be

your ability to learn a certain amount of technical information,

so that you could actually repackage that

and represent that to the customer, so...

Obviously I've done that before, learned products,

and been very successful in selling them.

It sounds right up Sean's street. What about the work/life balance?

I currently do quite a bit of travelling in the UK,

would it be the same in this role?

About 98% of what we do, we export,

-maybe one to two weeks away every six to eight weeks.

-Oh, OK.

And the rest of the time

probably based in the office here in Tauranga.

Oh, OK.

That's quite a bit away from home,

but would the financial reward be worth it?

What sort of salary can I expect in this position?

I would be looking anywhere between 60 to 90.

Someone more like yourself, who's had a lot more experience,

and has done that job, obviously towards the higher end of that.

Oh, OK.

90,000 New Zealand dollars equates to £42,000,

almost double what Sean currently earns in the UK.

Meanwhile, across town,

Candice is finding out about possible work opportunities

at a fruit marketing company,

where she's introduced to fellow office manager Fleur.

She's keen to find out what the day-to-day job entails.

It's a little bit of everything.

So, I can come in and have back-to-back meetings all day.

I can have no meetings but never sit at my desk.

-Mh-hm.

-Little problems that people need somebody to solve.

Well, I was working in the mining industry,

so it sounds different,

but at the same time, it's thinking on your feet.

It sounds like your skills probably would be transferrable over here.

Encouraged, Candice wants to know the best way to go about

getting a job like Fleur's.

Working with a recruitment agent, if you really get a good one,

they'll really support you and find you that right job.

That's reassuring.

And the chances of Sean finding work look good too.

We're actually filling quite a few different positions,

from production to technical to sales.

Excellent.

Expat Jonno's got more good news for Sean.

What would a typical working week be like here?

I'm normally in for half past eight, and then I'm out by six.

Having a finishing time will give Sean the extra family time

he's missing out on in the UK.

Communications officer Sophie Headley

gives Candice the low down on what she should expect

from working down under.

It's really good, in my opinion.

You know, I've moved here from the UK.

We work from about 8.30 till 5 o'clock.

-Monday to Friday.

-OK.

-We have flexible working hours as well.

So, it's fantastic.

There's a really, really good work/life balance.

Flexible working hours could come in handy

if Sean's job means time away from home. And money?

What kind of salary can I be expecting?

I think someone with your experience is probably looking at a range

between 60,000 and 75,000 per annum.

That's fantastic.

That's approximately £35,000 a year.

That's double what I was earning in South Africa.

It's been a positive day on the work front for both Sean and Candice.

Potentially able to double their income down under

means Sean's financial concerns should be shelved.

Two salaries combined, I think we could have a fantastic life.

From my end, it would be stupid not to make the move, really.

In spite of the positives, Sean's dragging his heels.

I do love what I'm doing now.

I don't think it's a product that excites me.

You know, that would desperately

make me, you know, want to come over.

So, when it comes to voting,

will he choose New Zealand or the UK?

Our vote goes to...

-New Zealand.

-New Zealand.

I thought you would vote for New Zealand.

Yeah. I wasn't sure about you, though.

I was nearly undecided just because, you know, I love my job so much.

But I think the salary, if that's what I can expect,

I think it's edging closer to New Zealand.

OK. That's good to know.

That's two out of four.

-We're 50% of the way.

-Yeah.

Sean's second vote for New Zealand suggests Candice

is in with a good chance of convincing him to make the move.

Having seen her children flourish in the South African sunshine,

she's yearning to rekindle that outdoor lifestyle in New Zealand.

So, will a day spent enjoying the Kiwi climate

take her a step closer to fulfilling the dream?

Keen to be more active than they currently are in the UK,

the family's day begins with a spot of kayaking.

THEY LAUGH

Oops. You get on.

Back on dry land, the family are mesmerised

by some Kiwi marine life.

Just lying in the sun.

The day's going down well with everyone.

I really, really like New Zealand.

Yeah, I would miss England, but I would be having fun here.

-NATHAN:

-I think I might have a happy life here.

It's a reminder of the kind of lifestyle they once knew.

This is on a whole different level.

I don't even think that they expected this from life again.

It's been fantastic.

This feels more like being back in South Africa, to be honest.

But I'd say, I've enjoyed this more than I thought I would.

It's re-enforced Candice's vision

of how life could be transformed down under.

My mood has completely changed.

It's just the sun, the sea, the people,

everyone's so friendly and so welcoming.

You don't feel like you've left home...

You feel like you've come home.

And it looks like the sunshine could be working in her favour.

I wasn't overly keen to come to New Zealand, it wasn't my dream.

But from what I've seen so far, you know, all over,

it seems like such a beautiful place to be.

But time out with the family has also given Sean

a chance to reflect on the bigger picture.

Obviously, the finances tomorrow

would be, you know, the key to the decision.

I don't know if he's there 100% yet.

I think there's still a bit of convincing.

You know, if finances don't sort of tie up,

and Candice is desperate to come here, it could cause a few problems.

Based on today, though, which country will the family choose?

After seeing the lifestyle that we can have in New Zealand,

our vote goes to...

-ALL:

-New Zealand!

-You voted New Zealand, Nathan?

-Ooh.

Did you have a fun day, yeah?

It's a full house.

This was the easiest decision of the week for me.

Yes. It was very easy, wasn't it?

We can do this every single weekend.

I knew it was going to be a good day,

-but it was actually better than I thought.

-I know!

SHE LAUGHS

So far, their time in New Zealand has assured Candice

the country could give her the family lifestyle she's longed for

since leaving sunny South Africa.

But for her dream to become a reality,

the books will have to balance,

and Sean's not feeling optimistic.

I'm expecting it to come up quite expensive.

Hoping for it not to, but...

We've provided a comparison of costs in the UK and New Zealand,

starting with the supermarket shop.

So, we have...

..beef, UK, 4.69.

Here it's 4.60.

-So, cheaper.

-So, that's roughly the same.

No, 9p. New Zealand wins.

Every penny counts, Candice.

Milk, for a four-pinter...

it is £2 in the UK.

Wow! £5.52 here.

Are you calculating?

After I've picked myself up off the floor!

It all adds up, doesn't it?

62.68...

Worse off...

..a month.

That's not as bad as I thought it would be.

Just over £60 a month more on food may not break the bank,

but there's also the bigger bills to consider.

Currently renting in the UK,

the couple would buy a property down under if they make the move.

Oh, I'm dreading this.

Basing their figures on the second house they saw,

their monthly payments would almost double in New Zealand.

So that's £686 different.

-There's a big difference, straight away.

-Yeah.

Added to the rest of the bills, it's not good news.

-How much?

-£700, we'd be worse off here.

I knew it was going to be more expensive,

-but I didn't think it would be that much more.

-Yeah.

That is very expensive.

Overall, the couple would be worse off by almost £8,500 a year

in New Zealand.

But, Sean could almost double his salary down under.

So that's £895...

-Better off.

-Better off on just on my salary.

That's a huge difference.

And with Candice planning to work in New Zealand,

their combined incomes could save the day.

-We'd be better off £1,226.

-Yes.

How much would that be yearly?

£14,712.

-Per year.

-Better off per year?

-Yeah.

-And that's minus any commissions or bonuses?

Yeah.

Wow, I'm very happy.

THEY LAUGH

That's amazing.

Look how much worse off we are in the UK,

for being miserable 90% of the time!

It's not even a comparison for me.

You can't fight over anything any more!

Mmm, OK. I'll give you this one.

THEY LAUGH

It looks like it could be three out of four, Candice.

After looking at the finances, our vote goes to...

New Zealand!

That was a definite for you.

Yeah, well, we wouldn't even be breaking even,

we'd be doing so much better.

This was the most important, cos if the finances didn't work out,

it was a definite "no" from my side.

-Yeah.

-But seeing the finances are in our favour, then, yeah.

Well, I'm glad. If that was the most important one,

then it's definitely headed in the right direction.

-Definitely.

-Yeah.

Knowing they would be quids in New Zealand

means Candice's dream of a forever home down under

could be within touching distance,

but there's still the emotional cost to confront.

The family sit down to watch a DVD of messages from home together.

-Hi, kids.

-Hi, guys.

-Hi, guys.

-Hi, Sean, Candice, Shannon and Nathan.

-BOTH:

-Hi.

-Hope you're having a great time.

We're missing you lots, and we can't wait for you to come back

and tell us all about it.

Sean is like a son I've never had.

I've got two girls of my own but Sean's just...

Sean!

You know, he means a lot.

I've been part of Sean's life, really, from the moment he was born.

And I just love him. I absolutely love him.

We're like brothers, rather than father and son.

-You know what I mean?

-That's true!

We used to play football together, go for a pint together.

Sean is definitely the laid back one.

I think he likes things organised for him.

Candice is definitely the one who puts everything in place.

But in a nice way, though. It works.

She's just wonderful and made Sean

really, really happy,

and the children are just wonderful.

I love the children. Well, Shannon is a real girlie girl.

She likes to get her hair done and her nails done

and she's really, really good fun.

Shannon, oh, she's a proper little madam.

THEY LAUGH

They got you down.

And then there's Nathan, and he's just wonderful.

He used to be shy but he's come out of his shell.

He's a bit like his dad.

THEY LAUGH

I hadn't seen them in a few years

and they came back and it was like we'd never been apart.

It's one of them friendships that you'll never lose.

-Oh, my goodness. Not again!

-It's just a big shock.

Just this last year, I mean we've actually bonded as a family

-since they've been back.

-Yes.

-Just sort of getting to know them.

-Yeah.

Getting used to being around them,

-and all of a sudden them not being there...

-Yeah.

It would just be, you know, awful.

And you have to put your own feelings to one side,

and it's what they think is best for the children.

I want them to go and experience it and see if they like it,

but I'd rather they stayed.

Life is short and you have to enjoy it...

..but I just wish they would enjoy it here.

I hope that you decide to stay!

-I'm sorry!

-SHE LAUGHS

I'm missing you so much,

but I'm hoping that you'll make the right decision,

and do what's best for the four of you.

I know it's your decision.

Whatever you think's best

for the kids and for yous.

We know you'll make the right decision.

We'll miss you.

I knew they wouldn't be happy.

Because, obviously, they just got us back after a long, long stint away.

Yeah, I do understand that,

cos we have been building a strong relationship since we've been back,

so I do feel quite bad.

Hearing from home has been a reminder

of the emotional cost of moving,

and for Candice a chance to reflect on her desire to take Sean

and the children away from loved ones in the UK for a second time.

New Zealand may have exceeded everyone's expectations

but when it comes to committing to moving

to the other side of the world,

there's still time for second thoughts.

The trial week has shown Candice potential

for the future she's dreamt of down under.

I spent my whole childhood outdoors and my whole lifestyle outdoors.

So for me, this is what life is supposed to be like. It's perfect.

It's opened Sean's eyes

to the benefits of what the country could offer, too.

It's been absolutely fantastic. Everybody's nice and friendly.

From what we've seen, you know, only positives have come out of it.

But as the final decision approaches,

Candice is conflicted at choosing between her dream

and loved ones back home.

I'm starting to feel a little bit guilty about

taking Sean and the kids away from Granny and Grandad and everyone.

I think we need to actually be a little more respectful of that.

Sean's also had pause for thought.

Me and my dad have always been quite close, like a best mate.

So, it would be quite hard, leaving that again.

That would bring a bit of doubt in mind.

It's just made me rethink everything.

Although everything could be great here...

you know, would we be willing to hurt other people?

As they prepare to vote,

where the Crawfords' future lies is far from being

the clear-cut conclusion Candice had hoped for.

After seeing everything that New Zealand has to offer us,

our vote goes to...

-ALL:

-New Zealand.

-Wow, a quick, clean sweep.

-Ooh.

-All your doubts have been put to rest?

-Yeah,

the fact that we'll be financially better off is a big thing.

Being financially better off

-means that we can go back at least once a year.

-Yeah.

They can come over at least once a year,

so it's not cutting all ties.

I think it's the right decision for us, so...

and the fact that the kids have decided New Zealand as well,

-it's... Well, everybody's happy.

-Yeah.

It feels amazing.

It feels like the next big adventure for the Crawfords, really.

Then let's make it happen.

OK. Let's do it.

So, are you guys are happy about your vote?

-BOTH:

-Yeah.

-Could you see us doing this every night?

-BOTH:

-Yeah.

In spite of some last-minute nerves,

Candice has stayed true to her dream.

And Sean agrees - their family's future does lie in New Zealand.

Hopefully, it won't be too long before the Crawfords

are back living the happier, healthier outdoors lifestyle

Candice has been holding out for.

It will be their biggest move yet,

and fingers crossed it'll also be their last one.