0:00:02 > 0:00:05The Donlons have started to experience empty nest syndrome
0:00:05 > 0:00:07as their children begin to leave home.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12They think the solution might be to fly away down under themselves.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16I don't want to have any regrets in life.
0:00:16 > 0:00:17I want to go and have a look and explore
0:00:17 > 0:00:20and see whether it is for us or not.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22A trial week in New Zealand sees them check out
0:00:22 > 0:00:25some seriously palatial properties.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- Oh, wow!- This is nice, isn't it?
0:00:29 > 0:00:31What an amazing view!
0:00:31 > 0:00:33But will it be enough to get a pair
0:00:33 > 0:00:36of very reluctant youngsters excited?
0:00:36 > 0:00:38Is that where I see myself potentially living
0:00:38 > 0:00:40for the rest of my life?
0:00:41 > 0:00:44If I don't want to go to New Zealand, I'll tell them,
0:00:44 > 0:00:48but I'll also say, "Do what you want to do."
0:00:48 > 0:00:49This is it. It's make or break.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52We either go now or we don't go at all.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Boasting some of the most spectacular scenery on earth
0:01:16 > 0:01:19and a relaxed way of life, New Zealand has been popular
0:01:19 > 0:01:25with British families seeking a new home since the 19th century.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Around 9,000 families emigrate there every year,
0:01:28 > 0:01:33seeking their dream lifestyle in a country the same size as the UK,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35but with under a 12th of the population.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39The Donlon family from Yorkshire
0:01:39 > 0:01:41has reached a crossroads in their life,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45with dad, Tim, eagerly looking towards retirement,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49and mum, Diana, desperate to get back to work.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Both feel New Zealand offers a good chance to kick-start their new life.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58If that's to happen, however, their children will need to be convinced.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Across one week,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04they'll get to see the sort of life they could lead and afford if they
0:02:04 > 0:02:09relocated down under, before voting on whether to make the move.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13To get from the UK to New Zealand, Tim, Diana,
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Jasper and Ophelia have endured 30 hours in the air.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22In spite of Tim's meticulous planning,
0:02:22 > 0:02:24the marathon journey has taken its toll.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29What was fun was Tim made this graph where you were allowed to sleep and
0:02:29 > 0:02:32you weren't allowed to sleep on the flight.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34It did not work, the graph.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36So I didn't sleep at all overnight.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38It was tiring.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40Relatively tragic.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43But I got through it.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Not a fan of long flights, then.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49But what about first impressions?
0:02:49 > 0:02:52The approach into Wellington looks really nice.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55I'm looking forward to seeing the country, what it has to offer.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59But Tim and Diana are only too aware of what's hanging in the balance in
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- the week ahead.- Concerned about the job interview,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05if there is enough work or the right sort of work,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07and whether I would fit into that.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12And whether the money we would earn here would afford us the lifestyle
0:03:12 > 0:03:16we really like or whether it would just be too expensive to do.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18The Donlon family set off on a journey
0:03:18 > 0:03:21that could change their lives forever.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25Meet the Donlons.
0:03:25 > 0:03:33They are mum, Diana, dad, Tim, Ophelia, who's 21, Jasper aged 19,
0:03:33 > 0:03:34and Otis the dog.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39They live in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43a familiar spot for fans of Last Of The Summer Wine.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Tim and Diana first got together at university.
0:03:50 > 0:03:51She thinks it was because I liked her,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53but actually she had central heating and we didn't.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58Do you know what? He's got all the lines, hasn't he? Yeah.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01Things soon warmed up.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03The couple graduated, married,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06and thought of emigrating to New Zealand,
0:04:06 > 0:04:08but when Diana's dad became seriously ill,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10the dream was put on hold.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15We didn't feel it was an appropriate time to leave,
0:04:15 > 0:04:17so we sort of put it on the back burner.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19It just wasn't the right time.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Then came the children.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26We had one and then, all of a sudden, we had four in five years,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29and it just sort of overtook us.
0:04:29 > 0:04:30It's been so busy, hasn't it?
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- Working...- It's been crazy!
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Working 60, 70 hours a week.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Fast forward almost 30 years,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40and the New Zealand dream is back on track.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42I don't want to have any regrets in life.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44I want to go and have a look and explore
0:04:44 > 0:04:47and see whether it is for us or not.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51Now is a good time to do it
0:04:51 > 0:04:54because in 15, 20 years' time we won't be able to do it,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56I wouldn't have thought.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59But a move will mean sacrificing
0:04:59 > 0:05:01a life they've grown to love in the UK.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06We've made some wonderful, wonderful friends up here.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09It's a very comfortable, friendly lifestyle.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16That's going to be a hard thing to give up, the community here.
0:05:16 > 0:05:17And that's not the only thing
0:05:17 > 0:05:20they could potentially be saying goodbye to.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Tim's mum came to live with them
0:05:23 > 0:05:25when his stepdad died nine years ago.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31Leaving her behind would be a huge wrench for Tim.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33I think I'm the tidiest person in the world.
0:05:33 > 0:05:34You must be.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38She's probably a lot frailer than she used to be,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40so I'd be quite worried leaving her here.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42Tim's an only child...
0:05:43 > 0:05:46..which makes it even more difficult.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Very difficult leaving me mum, to be honest.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52She's only got a brother down in Lymington.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55However, Tim's mum wouldn't stand in their way,
0:05:55 > 0:05:57and she might be persuaded to make the move too.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02She would never stop us fulfilling our dreams.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05We'd get the same arrangement in New Zealand,
0:06:05 > 0:06:08a little granny flat, which would be just as suitable for her,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10and will continue to keep looking after her down there.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16They'll also be leaving their two eldest children,
0:06:16 > 0:06:18who are settled in the UK.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21But Jasper and Ophelia are still dependent on Mum and Dad,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24who hope to persuade them to make the move as well.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27But it's not a done deal just yet.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30We've got to go out there and experience it ourselves
0:06:30 > 0:06:33to see if that is suitable for us and our lives.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Like, we'd never stop them, but is that where I see myself
0:06:36 > 0:06:39potentially living for the rest of my life?
0:06:39 > 0:06:44I do think my decision will affect their decision.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48However, for me personally, if I don't want to go to New Zealand,
0:06:48 > 0:06:53I'll tell them, but I'll also say, "Do what you want to do."
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Tim and Diana are poised to swap country life in the UK
0:06:56 > 0:06:58for a fresh start down under.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02But with an age limit of 56 for entry to New Zealand,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05the window of opportunity is closing.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09If we're going to go, we have to go fairly soon,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11because we've only got 18 months left
0:07:11 > 0:07:15before we reach our sell-by dates for New Zealand.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20But never having set foot in the country before,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22there is a lot at stake.
0:07:22 > 0:07:28My worry is that, when we get there, it's nothing that we anticipated.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32And it's a very short period to try and properly understand somewhere.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Does it hold the full package?
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Do we have to make any significant compromises and, if so,
0:07:37 > 0:07:39are we prepared to make them?
0:07:42 > 0:07:43This is it. It's make or break.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45We either go now or we don't go at all.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50What if they don't agree at the end of the week?
0:07:51 > 0:07:54We haven't lasted for 30 odd years by not compromising,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56so basically I do as I'm told.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00That's Di's compromise.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Ultimately, though, the last word could be down
0:08:07 > 0:08:09to the last two children left in the house -
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Jasper and Ophelia.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16The reality is that they have got their own minds
0:08:16 > 0:08:17and will do what they want
0:08:17 > 0:08:20and they'll do that whether we are there or whether we are here.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24If they don't want to go, I'm really not sure.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31For their trial week in New Zealand,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34the Donlons will be staying in the capital, Wellington.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Their temporary home is this three-bedroom property
0:08:38 > 0:08:41situated on the eastern side of the city with views
0:08:41 > 0:08:44directly across Cook Strait.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49First impressions are somewhat mixed.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54Oh, my God. It's like going into a time warp.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57I think it's really good. Really nice. I like it.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01It's like a 1970s house. Look at the furniture.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04What's in the apple?
0:09:06 > 0:09:09It's a lamp. Oh, my God. How weird is that?
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Mum's not impressed.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Oh, well. She'll get over it.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Well, we'll see about that.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19And now that Tim and Diana have finally arrived in New Zealand,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22their minds are turning to the realities of the week ahead.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27It's suddenly a lot more real.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30It's always been maybe a possibility,
0:09:30 > 0:09:34but now this is going to be one way or the other, isn't it?
0:09:34 > 0:09:35Which is a bit scary.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40And it's not long before the distance from home
0:09:40 > 0:09:41sinks in with Tim.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Whether Mum could do the trip
0:09:44 > 0:09:46and whether she wanted to do it, well,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48that's what you've got to weigh up.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55Back in the UK, the Donlon family
0:09:55 > 0:09:58live in a large detached family house,
0:09:58 > 0:10:00nestled in the Holme Valley in Yorkshire.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- Smashing house.- It's a fabulous family house.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Smashing garden. Great for kids.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09The house is set in two acres of land
0:10:09 > 0:10:11and boasts its own tennis court.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15It will be hard to give up, but Tim feels it's time to move on.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21We've done lots to it. But it needs a big family in it to enjoy it and
0:10:21 > 0:10:22make the most of it.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26So what's on their wish list for a house in New Zealand?
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Three to four bedrooms,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32so that we've always got space for family to stay.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37It would be lovely if there was an annexe or a garage
0:10:37 > 0:10:40that could be converted.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42If Tim's mum came over, she wouldn't want to live
0:10:42 > 0:10:44within our space, because we are too noisy,
0:10:44 > 0:10:46but somewhere quiet and self-contained.
0:10:46 > 0:10:47You are too noisy.
0:10:49 > 0:10:50Somewhere near the sea.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54I'd like somewhere where we can walk the dog,
0:10:54 > 0:10:59where the garden was enclosed and it was safe and secure.
0:11:02 > 0:11:08The Donlons' budget for a house in New Zealand is around £600,000.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12To find out what they could get for their money in the Wellington area,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15we'll show them three properties - two close to their budget,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18and a third that could be their dream home.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21The search begins in Kilbirnie,
0:11:21 > 0:11:25a popular suburb just 15 minutes from Wellington,
0:11:25 > 0:11:28but with a village feel so it should be right up their street.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35The weather is a little bit iffy as they arrive at this 1920s,
0:11:35 > 0:11:38four-bedroom, typical weatherboard home,
0:11:38 > 0:11:41but hopefully that won't cast a cloud over the viewing.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- Well, it's a very busy road. - It is a busy road.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Quite an old property as well, by the look of it.
0:11:47 > 0:11:48It looks nice, though.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Stepping inside, it's clear you really shouldn't
0:11:51 > 0:11:54always judge a book by its cover.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Looks really small from outside...
0:11:56 > 0:11:59But it feels quite spacious in here, doesn't it?
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Encouraging start.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03Will it continue into the kitchen and dining area?
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- Oh, my goodness.- That's a view and a half, isn't it?
0:12:06 > 0:12:08That's fabulous. I like this window seat, though.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- This is rather nice.- I do think the kitchen is a bit small.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14It's just different to what we're used to.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18OK, well, let's see if the living room impresses.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- This is a posh room. - Ooh, look at that gas fire!
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Brown is obviously in.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27Brown wallpaper, brown sofas, brown tables.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29It feels very separate and divided.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Yeah, it's taken years to get our house to be something
0:12:31 > 0:12:36that works for us as a family, so I'd be quite happy to alter stuff.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Yeah.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Tim's upbeat, but doubts are beginning to surface.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45So if the Donlons are going to fall in love with this house,
0:12:45 > 0:12:48then upstairs is going to need to inspire.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53- OK.- Huge. - Wow, what a high ceiling!
0:12:54 > 0:12:57So, hang on. The road's there, isn't it?
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Gosh, I bet you get a lot of noise from that at night.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01And it's only single-glazed windows.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04There is no en suite, so you have to share the bathroom with the kids.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- That's not cool.- Oh, dear.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08But what about the other bedrooms?
0:13:10 > 0:13:12Not sure about the fireplace.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14Yeah. I'd sleep anywhere, but
0:13:14 > 0:13:16I'm not too keen about the sound of the road.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18It's quite a busy road.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20If there's enough wardrobe space there for me.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Let's hope that shared bathroom shapes up.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28It's a bathroom you could have a party in.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32It's liveable, but it's not the sort of thing we're used to.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37OK. Let's see if outside saves the day.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- This is nice. - This is quite pleasant.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43You can hear the school, though, can't you? And the traffic.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47Not enough for the chickens, is it, and the dog to roam around?
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Need a bit more space out here, definitely.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52It's fair to say this house
0:13:52 > 0:13:54has proved to be a downer for the Donlons,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57but with £600,000 to spend,
0:13:57 > 0:14:00might they be tempted if it's a good price?
0:14:02 > 0:14:08I think it'd cost about £475,000, based on houses in the UK.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Well, I think it would be 425,000 back in the UK.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- Do you?- Yeah. Right, when you're ready.
0:14:14 > 0:14:15Let's see what it's worth.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Oh, my God. Really?
0:14:17 > 0:14:21£560,000.
0:14:21 > 0:14:22Wow. That is a surprise.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26That is a surprise. I didn't think it would be worth that much.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28I guess that's what you get for living in a capital city.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31We need to be further out, then, don't we?
0:14:31 > 0:14:33So you get more for your money. Definitely.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37With things off to a disappointing start,
0:14:37 > 0:14:40it's time to move on to property number two.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44Further out of town and overlooking Wellington Harbour,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46this property in Khandallah
0:14:46 > 0:14:48boasts five bedrooms and three bathrooms,
0:14:48 > 0:14:51so lots of space for family and visitors.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55But will it be in keeping with their taste?
0:14:56 > 0:14:58Initial signs are promising.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- Nice.- This is nicer.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03Yeah, wow!
0:15:03 > 0:15:05This is nice, isn't it?
0:15:05 > 0:15:07What an amazing view.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Wow. It's got decking all the way around as well, which is better.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Low-maintenance.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14And this would be great to chill in, wouldn't it?
0:15:14 > 0:15:18The dramatic setting has impressed Mum and Dad.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22What are Ophelia and Jasper's first impressions?
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Decent size, yeah. It's nice. Better than the one before.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28I fear it's going to be a bit ruined
0:15:28 > 0:15:31when they finish building that house over there.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34Plenty to digest in the living room.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- So what's on the menu in the kitchen?- Nice kitchen.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41Nice place to sit and eat.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45Not my style of sofas, but this is a really good workable space.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47100% better than property one,
0:15:47 > 0:15:49but I should imagine that's reflected in the cost.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Don't you?
0:15:51 > 0:15:53We will soon find out.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57First, though, does the main bedroom hit the mark?
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Ooh, open wardrobes.- Nice.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- Oh, here's an en suite as well. - And it's got an en suite.- Yeah.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07And that little balcony that's on
0:16:07 > 0:16:10the lounge is actually part of this bedroom.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11Very nice indeed.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14I would move and live somewhere like this.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19Don't want to jinx anything, but this is going rather well.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23And as with property one, there's more to explore downstairs.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Plenty of space for friends to come back and...
0:16:28 > 0:16:30..and party. Yay!
0:16:30 > 0:16:34As the plus points add up, a hidden room ticks another box.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37A room off a room. Oh, my word!
0:16:38 > 0:16:41OK. So this could be a separate annex, then, couldn't it?
0:16:41 > 0:16:44And this could be a guest suite.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- Granny suite.- Yeah.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- That's OK.- This is OK. That would be fine.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Or could the room cheer up the other two family members -
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Jasper and Ophelia?
0:16:55 > 0:16:57Right, come and have a look in here.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00See what you think of it. What would you use this space for?
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- I'm not sure. It's a bit weird. - It's a decent-sized space.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08I quite like it. Decent views.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- Better than the last house? - I'd say so.- A lot better. Yeah.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14OK.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Less said about the other bedrooms.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20But how tight is this?
0:17:20 > 0:17:24Outside, meanwhile, the weather has closed in,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26making exploring a tad tricky.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30But the Donlons have seen enough to start speculating
0:17:30 > 0:17:33whether or not they could afford this property.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38I think this is the top of our budget, £600,000.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40I think it's more.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44I think this is about £645,000.
0:17:44 > 0:17:45My turn. You did the last one.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- Go on, then.- Let's find out how much it is, then.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Ah, it was over.- £616,000.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57Bit disappointed. That's the top of our budget, is 600.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59OK, well, that's the second one down.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00Let's head off and see the last one.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04The final stop of the day is in Seatoun,
0:18:04 > 0:18:06four miles south-east of Wellington,
0:18:06 > 0:18:08on the coast overlooking Cook Strait.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12With schools, great shopping,
0:18:12 > 0:18:16stunning beaches with views and lattes on hand,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19it could be the perfect spot for the Donlons,
0:18:19 > 0:18:24but will this spacious family home win all four of them over?
0:18:27 > 0:18:28It's like a waiting room, this, isn't it?
0:18:28 > 0:18:31It's almost like a doctor's surgery.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33It wasn't what I was expecting.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- You kind of expect a grand entrance. - I did, actually.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Downstairs reveals the main living area.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- This is nice.- It is nice.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- JASPER:- Yeah, I quite like it. - I like it.
0:18:45 > 0:18:46Decent-sized kitchen.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Massively better than the other one.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Looks like there's loads more space outside.
0:18:52 > 0:18:53Get a good view as well.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54Yeah.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57Another room there. Very open space.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Yeah, but it's nice. It's just, like, flows through.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04It's quite nice. I like it.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08With a tentative thumbs up from the youngsters,
0:19:08 > 0:19:10it's down even more stairs.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- Keeps going.- The house that just keeps on giving.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15This would be your family base, wouldn't it?
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- Your family room. - It's nice and homely.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Nice decking. Huge.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25So with more positive vibes from Dad and the children,
0:19:25 > 0:19:28what's on Mum's mind?
0:19:28 > 0:19:30I don't like it as much as the last house.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32I thought the last house felt a lot more as though you were out in the
0:19:32 > 0:19:35countryside, whereas this one doesn't.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37I don't know. It just doesn't feel right.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40She's a tough cookie.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43That's the way they crumble sometimes.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45But can the main bedroom win Diana over?
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Nice, big bedroom, yeah.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- Really nice.- Yeah.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Very nice indeed. Probably the best
0:19:54 > 0:19:56bathroom out of the ones we've seen so far.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- I think it's all right, this. - Nice view.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01House next door isn't too invasive.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04I think the house, in itself, is absolutely fine.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07I think I'm not feeling it, because it feels as though you're constantly
0:20:07 > 0:20:09going up and down the stairs to find the rooms.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12It doesn't make me not like it.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14I quite like the property, yeah.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18Anyway, I wouldn't have the final say. This one here would.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24That look says it all.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Moving on or, rather, down.
0:20:27 > 0:20:28More stairs.
0:20:29 > 0:20:35- More space.- The family bathroom, meanwhile, is something of a puzzle.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- This is a weird bathroom, isn't it? - This is interesting, isn't it?
0:20:39 > 0:20:40Very different.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Very different indeed.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47There are sharply divided opinions on this property,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50but will Diana and Tim agree on a price?
0:20:50 > 0:20:52I don't really like this house, to be honest.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54How much do think it's worth?
0:20:54 > 0:20:58I think it's probably worth about £580,000.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00I think it's way above our budget.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- OK.- 700,000, maybe even more than that.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- OK.- Only one way to find out, isn't there?
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- Let's turn the card over.- £700,000.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12That's a lot more than I anticipated.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15I wouldn't give you that for all the tea in China.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17I guessed it right this time.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19You have to be right once in your life, though, don't you?
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Well, Tim came up trumps.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28But there have been mixed reactions to the properties the family have
0:21:28 > 0:21:32viewed today. Property one's small entrance concealed a large interior.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37But it came up short on living and garden space.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39And a disappointing interior ruled it out.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44The view from property number two wowed
0:21:44 > 0:21:46and the modern interior impressed,
0:21:46 > 0:21:50but reservations about space in some of the bedrooms left the family
0:21:50 > 0:21:52longing for more.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55House number three divided opinion, with Tim,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Ophelia and Jason succumbing to its charms,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00but Diana definitely didn't,
0:22:00 > 0:22:05and the price breached their budget of £600,000.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09Based on everything they've seen today, when it comes to properties,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12will the Donlon family choose home or away?
0:22:12 > 0:22:15After a day of looking at three different properties in New Zealand,
0:22:15 > 0:22:19we're going to vote which one we like best, New Zealand or UK.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- UK.- Undecided.- UK.- UK.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Wasn't really value for money for what you got back at home
0:22:34 > 0:22:37and I don't think it's worth giving up our house for.
0:22:37 > 0:22:38Well, I still want to be here.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41We just haven't found the right house yet, so I'm undecided.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44It wasn't where I'd like to live, to be honest.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Well, it's only day one, so let's have a look and see what else
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- New Zealand's got to offer.- OK. - Yeah. Come on.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00A thumbs down for New Zealand on the property front is a disappointing
0:23:00 > 0:23:04start. Things will have to improve for Diana and Tim to seriously
0:23:04 > 0:23:07contemplate a move to the other side of the world.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Finding the right job opportunities will be key.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Back in the UK,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Tim has built up a successful career in construction management,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21where he is master of all he surveys.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Working on everything from new builds
0:23:23 > 0:23:27to restoring iconic buildings like Westminster Abbey,
0:23:27 > 0:23:31it's a job that sees him earn £70,000 per year.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35He is keen, however, to take a step back.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38It'd be nice to be able to have a little more time
0:23:38 > 0:23:40to do a little more things I enjoy
0:23:40 > 0:23:43by reducing the sort of day-to-day responsibility.
0:23:44 > 0:23:49And hopefully the skills I've got, I can use those across a number of
0:23:49 > 0:23:53different types of jobs and a number of different types of industries.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56There's just one thing that is giving him pause.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- It's his age. - I'm getting on a bit now.
0:24:00 > 0:24:0354, so I'm running out of time to go to New Zealand.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08So I'll need to find an appropriate job in the next sort of 18 months
0:24:08 > 0:24:11and get out there if I'm going to go.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15Diana, meanwhile, wants to help Tim reduce his workload.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17For the last few years, he's taken
0:24:17 > 0:24:19the brunt of the financial responsibility,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22and I'd like to be able to contribute in some way,
0:24:22 > 0:24:24and maybe, if I did that, then we
0:24:24 > 0:24:28could do more things together as a couple.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31In recent years, Diana has continued to teach part-time,
0:24:31 > 0:24:34and she does some home tutoring.
0:24:34 > 0:24:35Well done. Very good.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38OK, let's look at the next one, then.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42But her dream is to return to full-time teaching in special needs.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45So when I go to New Zealand,
0:24:45 > 0:24:50I'm hoping to actually go into that side of education,
0:24:50 > 0:24:54although I'm equally at home in a primary setting as well.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00Tim, however, has got a red line that he won't cross.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02What I don't want to do is be scrimping and saving
0:25:02 > 0:25:05and Diana having to work full-time, I'm having to work full-time,
0:25:05 > 0:25:07without having the ability to have
0:25:07 > 0:25:10some time to enjoy the place, really.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15To find out about potential roles in New Zealand,
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Tim is meeting Brendan Turner
0:25:17 > 0:25:20in a recruitment agency specialising in the
0:25:20 > 0:25:21construction industry.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24And from the off,
0:25:24 > 0:25:27it's clear the foundation for Tim building a new career in New Zealand
0:25:27 > 0:25:32could be pretty solid, if his CV is anything to go by.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35From an education perspective and an experience perspective,
0:25:35 > 0:25:37I think you are looking quite good.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39I would certainly be able to generate a lot of interest.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42What do you think the prospects are like at the moment?
0:25:42 > 0:25:45I would tailor an approach to certain companies
0:25:45 > 0:25:49and present you as a person who would give them the ability
0:25:49 > 0:25:52to continue tendering for work and to take on more projects,
0:25:52 > 0:25:54which a lot of people are currently turning away.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57If I came over next week, how long would it take to get a job?
0:25:57 > 0:26:00So you're certainly in a category of people who are going to be processed
0:26:00 > 0:26:03a little bit faster but, worst-case scenario,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05eight weeks from the time you get your job offer.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09It's a fantastic start for Tim.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Across town, meanwhile, Diana is visiting Berhampore High School,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16where she meets special-needs teacher Justine
0:26:16 > 0:26:18and gets hands-on in the classroom.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Good girl. Ready, one, two, three, jump.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Next, she meets with principal Mark Potter
0:26:25 > 0:26:27and straightaway, as with Tim,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30her work experience is impressing.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33When I looked through your CV and looked at the experience you've got,
0:26:33 > 0:26:37it does transfer because you've got classroom experience as well as
0:26:37 > 0:26:39specialist experience.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42So you don't think I'd have too much trouble trying to find work?
0:26:42 > 0:26:44You've just got to do your homework and find out where the schools are,
0:26:44 > 0:26:47that the highest concentrations are of children
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- with the learning needs that you can support.- OK.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52So how does the interview process work over here?
0:26:52 > 0:26:56Say if someone like yourself, who might be coming from the UK,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59it's not uncommon for schools to do Skype interviews.
0:26:59 > 0:27:04It's certainly ticking all the boxes so far, but what about the salary?
0:27:04 > 0:27:08A classroom teacher here, with your qualifications,
0:27:08 > 0:27:13would start at £38,000, that's 68,000 New Zealand.
0:27:13 > 0:27:19- All right.- The maximum range here is 73,000 New Zealand,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22which equates to about £40,000 per annum.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24Well, thank you very much for having me here today.
0:27:24 > 0:27:25It's been great to see the school,
0:27:25 > 0:27:27meet Justine, and meet yourself, Mark.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Really enjoyed it. Thank you very much.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- Thank you. Nice to meet you. - You too.
0:27:33 > 0:27:34Back at the recruitment firm,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37having heard his prospects for employment are good,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Tim is keen to know more about the other aspects of working in the
0:27:40 > 0:27:42construction trade in New Zealand.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48With work-life balance, what kind of hours do employees work over here?
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Generally speaking, we do in construction seven o'clock
0:27:50 > 0:27:51in the morning to 16:30.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55In the summertime, we have sun here until about ten o'clock at night,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58so getting off work at 16:30 allows you to go
0:27:58 > 0:28:01and actually do the things that you came over here to do.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Everyone's in New Zealand to have a good time
0:28:04 > 0:28:07and enjoy their life and have some fun with their family.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10So if you were to come over here and express to somebody that one
0:28:10 > 0:28:12of the things that got you interested
0:28:12 > 0:28:14was the work-life balance, they would completely understand
0:28:14 > 0:28:18because they have one and people that have a work-life balance
0:28:18 > 0:28:19know the importance of it.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22It's been a really positive day on the work front
0:28:22 > 0:28:24for both Diana and Tim.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27When they meet to compare notes, the mood is buoyant.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- Hello. How did you get on? - Yeah, really well.
0:28:31 > 0:28:36- The salary's OK. - How much is OK?- £80,000 plus a car.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40- OK.- So how did you get on? - It was really interesting.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Really good. The salary's about 40,000.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46You get extra increments, depending on how many units you do,
0:28:46 > 0:28:48which are like leadership units.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50- Good.- Yeah, really good. - Happy to work?
0:28:50 > 0:28:53- Yeah.- Excellent. Come on, then. Let's go and get you a job.- Whey!
0:28:55 > 0:28:57So when it comes to voting for work down under,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00will they choose New Zealand or the UK?
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- New Zealand.- New Zealand. - Yay! You're on board.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13- That's pretty good. - So why did you vote New Zealand?
0:29:13 > 0:29:16I really like the school that I went to this morning.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18It was multicultural. It was inclusive.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20I thought it was a great school, great head.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23- What about you?- Well, I thought my skills were really wanted over here.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25The money sounded really good.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28So, yeah, sounded a really good prospect. Really positive.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- Better find a house we like, then. - Yeah. And get out of the rain.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Yeah, it's just like home. It's raining like billy-o.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43After a disappointing start with property,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46a day looking at their job prospects has given Tim and Diana's
0:29:46 > 0:29:50New Zealand dream a much-needed boost.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54But Ophelia and Jasper are still far from onboard with the programme,
0:29:54 > 0:29:56so will a day getting out of the city
0:29:56 > 0:29:59persuade them about the merits of life down under?
0:30:01 > 0:30:05The Donlons are an active family who love the outdoors.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09So today they're off bike riding on Mount Victoria.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12Before setting off, however,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15it's clear it's not the only mountain they need to climb.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18I think it's very early days yet as to whether the kids would come and
0:30:18 > 0:30:21join us permanently in the short term,
0:30:21 > 0:30:25because the last couple of days haven't been the best for the kids.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28I didn't really like the houses that we saw.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31I wouldn't give up our house for one of them.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35So, at the minute, it wouldn't be something I'd want to do.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38I mean, we've only been trotting round the city, really.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41And that's not exactly my idea of fun.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45So I'm excited to see what the trails are like,
0:30:45 > 0:30:47what I can do.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51Hopefully today they'll see a bit more of what Wellington has
0:30:51 > 0:30:56to offer and hopefully that'll make their decision a bit easier,
0:30:56 > 0:31:00if we decide to come over here and whether they would join us or not.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09It's all to play for as they hit the trail.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24For Diana, it's a shaky start and a tiny bit too intensive.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26And I'm bound to fall off and break me neck, so I've given up.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Quit when the going is good, which is what I've done.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31I don't blame you. But she's really
0:31:31 > 0:31:34excited to see Jasper and Ophelia enjoying themselves.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36This is right up Jasper's street.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39If anything's going to sell New Zealand to Jasper, it will be this,
0:31:39 > 0:31:42the fact that he can go off-road, doing this sort of thing,
0:31:42 > 0:31:44and this is something new for Ophelia.
0:31:44 > 0:31:45She's got a bike and they go all over,
0:31:45 > 0:31:48but I don't think necessarily she does mountain biking.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51So it's good to see her doing something like this as well.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58So could we be on the verge of a breakthrough?
0:31:58 > 0:32:01I'm enjoying it. It's a bit muddy, as you can see.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03But, no, it's good fun.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Shame about Mum not enjoying it that much,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10but she's not that nimble in her old age.
0:32:10 > 0:32:11But, yeah, it's good.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Ooh, careful!
0:32:13 > 0:32:15A bit of bike banter there.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18Might actually be a good sign.
0:32:18 > 0:32:19- OPHELIA:- It makes a big difference,
0:32:19 > 0:32:23doing something that you enjoy and the weather definitely, like,
0:32:23 > 0:32:25sells it to you a bit more.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Better and better.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Next up, a spot of lunch.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33And for dad, Tim, the day has definitely given the children
0:32:33 > 0:32:36a bit of food for thought when it comes to the move.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39I think the outdoor life will really appeal to the kids.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41This is what they like doing.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45They like being outside and on bikes and walking dogs and they're both
0:32:45 > 0:32:48really sporty and love that sort of stuff.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51But now it's time to find out if it's been enough to convince
0:32:51 > 0:32:54the whole family to make the move.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58After a day out biking, our lifestyle vote goes to...
0:33:08 > 0:33:11So the Donlons remain divided.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- Why didn't you like it? - Still not convinced.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16- What about you?- Still not convinced.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20I don't know what New Zealand has to offer that England doesn't.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Ooh!
0:33:28 > 0:33:31With Ophelia and Jasper still resisting a move,
0:33:31 > 0:33:35Tim and Diana's New Zealand dream is on shaky ground,
0:33:35 > 0:33:37and they've yet to discover whether
0:33:37 > 0:33:39the finances down under will stack up.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42The couple would sell their house in the UK
0:33:42 > 0:33:45and hope to be mortgage-free in New Zealand.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48They believe it's worth between £700,000 and £800,000.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52We sent round two estate agents to give their valuations.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00This is a really, really nice room.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03Lovely period features,
0:34:03 > 0:34:05lovely stained glass on the patio
0:34:05 > 0:34:08doors leading onto the decking.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10The flagged floors are absolutely gorgeous.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Original cupboards, I'm imagining.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Another nice, big bedroom.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18It's got fitted wardrobes, it's got an en suite.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20Obviously, you've got five bedrooms on this floor,
0:34:20 > 0:34:23and you've got a choice of, I think, three or four upstairs as well.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25However, I think the real selling point for people
0:34:25 > 0:34:27who want to move into this area is going to be the views
0:34:27 > 0:34:30out of that window and the fact that you can walk down into the village
0:34:30 > 0:34:33and get your tea and coffee and your bread in the morning.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35- Absolutely fantastic.- Aww.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37This is a really great kitchen.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40I really like the fact that you've got the island unit with the granite
0:34:40 > 0:34:42worktops and all the stools around it.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45It just creates a really nice, sociable space.
0:34:45 > 0:34:46That looks clean.
0:34:46 > 0:34:51Really well-pointed again with a Belfast sink and the Aga.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Detached five-bedroomed house, really big plot, tennis court,
0:34:55 > 0:34:58and now we've got this additional extra living accommodation
0:34:58 > 0:34:59detached from the property.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01It's going to be a very popular
0:35:01 > 0:35:04- property if it comes on the market.- Is it?
0:35:04 > 0:35:07- That's good.- Including the self-contained annex,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10we've got 4,000 square feet of internal space.
0:35:10 > 0:35:15We would value this property today at £850,000.
0:35:15 > 0:35:16Oh, my God.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19And if we were asked to achieve a quick sale,
0:35:19 > 0:35:23that's exactly what we'd market it at, £850,000.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- Wow.- In today's market, I would value this...
0:35:26 > 0:35:29She might say something different.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31..at offers in the region of £750,000.
0:35:31 > 0:35:37For a quick sale, I would market this property at £700,000.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- Oh, that was interesting. - I guessed about 800, didn't I?
0:35:40 > 0:35:42That's pretty good, isn't it?
0:35:42 > 0:35:46I was pleased with that. I think it's worth 850. Definitely.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50The valuations are encouraging.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53But how will day-to-day living compare with the UK?
0:35:53 > 0:35:55This won't make that much impact.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59We've provided a cost comparison between the two countries.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01That's huge!
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- What?- How much the bread is.
0:36:04 > 0:36:05What else is expensive?
0:36:05 > 0:36:08SHE GASPS Gin!
0:36:08 > 0:36:12- THEY CHUCKLE - Oh, my goodness. £8.51 difference.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15So free-range chicken, on average, costs 13 quid.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18That's a lot of money, isn't it? So, basically,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20the only stuff that's cheaper is shampoo and conditioner.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24And when they total it up...
0:36:24 > 0:36:28£417 more per month than we normally spend.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- Yeah.- That's a lot. That's an awful lot of difference.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35While there is a bit of a shock in the shopping basket,
0:36:35 > 0:36:39there is a significant saving on the other big bills they'll face.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41The other insurance is the same.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47OK. We're saving about £300 per calendar month.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48- That's good.- It is, isn't it?
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- Yeah.- Yeah. I'm surprised by that.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54With Diana working full-time as well as Tim,
0:36:54 > 0:36:58when they factor in both their salaries, the bottom line is...
0:36:58 > 0:37:06£33,408 per year
0:37:06 > 0:37:08better off.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10- That's you working full-time. - That's me working full-time.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13Tick.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16Financially, it really is a no-brainer.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18Yeah, I'm surprised. I am surprised.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21Well, the sums have certainly surprised.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24How are we going to go with the vote?
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Based on the financial information we've received today,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29our vote goes to...
0:37:36 > 0:37:38- BOTH:- New Zealand!
0:37:40 > 0:37:42- We'd be a lot better off. - Loads better off.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- That would be really good.- Yeah. Brilliant.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54So far, Tim and Diana have discovered the work,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57lifestyle and financial opportunities New Zealand
0:37:57 > 0:38:00could offer are hard to argue with.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04But the dream could still stall as the family sit down together
0:38:04 > 0:38:07to confront the reality of leaving loved ones.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13Hi, Di, Tim, Ophy and Jasper.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Hi, guys. Hope you've had a lovely time.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- Hey!- You all right? - Hope you're having a nice time.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Not missing us too much.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26Tim and Di are just really good friends, really kind.
0:38:26 > 0:38:27I love Di's sense of humour.
0:38:29 > 0:38:30The Donlons are a little bit mad.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34They are. Good mad, good mad.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38Tim, he's been a super son. Absolutely.
0:38:40 > 0:38:46It would be like losing a brother, actually, if Tim went all that way.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52I actually think I'd miss them more than I realise now...
0:38:53 > 0:38:58..but I also think that it would be a fantastic opportunity for them.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04Ophy is one of our best friends, so if Ophy goes,
0:39:04 > 0:39:06it's a large chunk of our group gone, isn't it?
0:39:06 > 0:39:09We worked out the maths and its 25% of our 100% group.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15Jasper is now in University in Nottingham.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18And he used to appear on our doorstep and say could he have his
0:39:18 > 0:39:21dinner or come quite regularly with a bag of washing.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24Out of all the parents that were going to up and leave
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- to New Zealand, it was always going to be Di.- It was the Donlons.
0:39:27 > 0:39:28Notice that we say Di and not Tim.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Yeah, I think the idea has been laying dormant for a while
0:39:34 > 0:39:36- for the pair of them.- We kind of just thought it'd be something
0:39:36 > 0:39:41they'd talk about but not do, so everyone's a bit shocked.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44I think it would be difficult saying goodbye to them,
0:39:44 > 0:39:48if it was a permanent thing, they were going forever.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51I think we'd have a struggle saying goodbye to them at the airport.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Whatever decision you make,
0:39:53 > 0:39:56what you've got to remember is that we're always there for you.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00Hopefully it'll just be a jaunt up the M1.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03So, Donlons, you need to make this decision for you.
0:40:03 > 0:40:04Don't think about us too much,
0:40:04 > 0:40:07although send us some sort of ticket in the mail
0:40:07 > 0:40:09so that we can come and see you.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13I trust you to make the right decision.
0:40:13 > 0:40:18Whatever you want, you must do, and I'll go along with it.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21What's that made you think, then?
0:40:23 > 0:40:26I don't know. I'll let you know when you've told me.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28At the start of the week,
0:40:28 > 0:40:32Tim and Diana Donlon set out to convince themselves
0:40:32 > 0:40:34and their youngest two children that New Zealand
0:40:34 > 0:40:37could be the answer as they look forward to the
0:40:37 > 0:40:39next stage in their lives.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Now, as they approach the final vote,
0:40:42 > 0:40:45will the family come together
0:40:45 > 0:40:48or continue to be split down the middle?
0:40:48 > 0:40:50What would you do?
0:40:50 > 0:40:52It's time for the Donlons to pack
0:40:52 > 0:40:56up and get ready to make the journey back home.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58For mum, Diana, and dad, Tim,
0:40:58 > 0:41:01the trial week has been a mixed bag all round.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03Weather wasn't so good, but look at it now.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07So this is a real good end to the week.
0:41:07 > 0:41:08Really lifted our spirits,
0:41:08 > 0:41:11seeing the weather and seeing the countryside today.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Now we are here, it's absolutely ideal,
0:41:14 > 0:41:17and maybe we should have done it a long, long time ago.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22Jasper and Ophelia, however, have a very different outlook on things.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24I didn't really like the houses we went to view earlier on in the week
0:41:24 > 0:41:27and with the bad weather it just kind of shone
0:41:27 > 0:41:28a negative light on it all.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32Today's great, like. Really sunny and whatnot,
0:41:32 > 0:41:35but the past few days have been pretty miserable.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Not much different to what we have back home.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43It seems that heads and hearts are at odds when it comes to the move.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47No, I think I've made my mind up.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51I think I have. I'm not sure if the others have, but I have, yeah.
0:41:51 > 0:41:56I think the hardest thing for them would possibly be leaving us behind.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00It's given us a better idea of what the possibilities are out
0:42:00 > 0:42:03here and now we've just got to make a decision as to what's right
0:42:03 > 0:42:07for us as a family, not just what's right for us as a couple.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11After so many years of dreaming,
0:42:11 > 0:42:14it all comes down to this final vote.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33Ooh. It was what we sort of expected,
0:42:33 > 0:42:36however, their decision of course has a huge impact
0:42:36 > 0:42:39on mine and Tim's decision whether we move to New Zealand.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42What we've got to do now is go and explore this country
0:42:42 > 0:42:45a little bit more, enjoy the warm sunshine,
0:42:45 > 0:42:47and talk about it as a family.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49Then and only then can we decide which way we're going to go.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58The Donlons remain a family divided when it comes to whether moving down
0:42:58 > 0:43:02under is ever going to be an option - for now.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06But I get the feeling it's a subject that could be coming up around the
0:43:06 > 0:43:08dinner table very soon.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10Whatever they choose to do,
0:43:10 > 0:43:13we wish them all the very best in the future.