0:00:02 > 0:00:06After a painful divorce, Lindy MacEwan longs for a fresh start.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10I focus on the kids, my job and Steve,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13and that's kind of my little bubble that I live in.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17Lindy thinks moving to a new life down under could be the answer.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20New jobs, new opportunities, it's the right thing to do.
0:00:20 > 0:00:21There's just one big problem.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25Hubby, Steve, is happy with his lot in Scotland.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28We've got a nice house, we're a stone's throw away from a school,
0:00:28 > 0:00:30we've got good friends, why change it?
0:00:30 > 0:00:35A trial week in New Zealand sees Steve possibly come round to the move...
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Yeah, I could definitely see us here, like.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41..while forcing Lindy to confront her own doubts.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44He's flipped towards the, "Yeah, we'll go to New Zealand,"
0:00:44 > 0:00:47and I'm kind of like, "Well, maybe we need to think about this a wee bit more."
0:00:47 > 0:00:50This family isn't sure where their future together lies.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16With a small population, less than half of that of London,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20and over 2,000 hours of sunshine each year,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24it's no wonder New Zealand's a draw for Brits seeking a brighter future.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27But achieving the dream lifestyle on the other side of the world doesn't
0:01:27 > 0:01:32always work out, and every year many return with their dreams shattered.
0:01:34 > 0:01:39It's been her dream for years, but now Lindy MacEwan feels it's
0:01:39 > 0:01:45time to decide once and for all if New Zealand really is the land of opportunity,
0:01:45 > 0:01:50with the great outdoor lifestyle she's heard so much about.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54But it's not going to be easy to persuade her rugby mad hubby Steve
0:01:54 > 0:01:59to move, because he's more than content with his lot in Fife.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04Across one week, the MacEwans will get to see the sort of life they
0:02:04 > 0:02:07could lead and afford if they relocated down under,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10before voting on where their future lies.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16The 23-hour journey to Auckland has seen the MacEwans travel more than
0:02:16 > 0:02:2010,000 miles from Scotland, but they've taken the trip in their stride.
0:02:23 > 0:02:24I thought it wasn't too bad.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27It was long and a bit stressful with the four kids,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29but it was not too bad.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33It's been a long journey but a good journey and the grub was good, so...
0:02:33 > 0:02:36It was OK, but, like, it was quite long.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41It's the family's first time on Kiwi soil and for Lindy,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44it's been a long time coming.
0:02:44 > 0:02:45Feeling quite excited.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47We're hopeful that it's going to be good, yeah.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50We'll find out as much information as we can and then hopefully by the
0:02:50 > 0:02:53end, we'll know whether New Zealand's the place
0:02:53 > 0:02:54we need to be or not.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57This could be a better life for us.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59The only way to find that out is to do this trial week and then see if
0:02:59 > 0:03:01it's going to work for us or not.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Hopefully it will, because it does look like a lovely country and I've
0:03:04 > 0:03:08only been in it two minutes, but just going to see how it goes.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Looks like Steve's already smitten,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14but he's not making any promises just yet.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16I've got a successful business, I've got a good job,
0:03:16 > 0:03:20so we'd have to match that if not be better for me to consider to move to
0:03:20 > 0:03:22a different country.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Hopefully it'll turn out the way I want it to turn out,
0:03:24 > 0:03:25but we'll soon find out.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Fingers crossed, Lindy.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Ahead lies a week that could change the family's lives forever.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38Meet the MacEwans.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42There's Steve and Lindy, children Niamh, aged nine, Cohen, aged five,
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Kane, who's three and baby Rain-Rose, who's just three months.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51It's second time around for both Steve and Lindy.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54The two got together seven years ago when they split from their
0:03:54 > 0:03:56respective partners.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58We started quick.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02We were together a month and Lindy with pregnant with Cohen, so...
0:04:04 > 0:04:05So it was meant to be!
0:04:06 > 0:04:08It's developed into a great relationship.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13Lindy's been dreaming of a life down under ever since she was 18.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15There's been certain points throughout my life where it's kind
0:04:15 > 0:04:17of like, I'm going to go and it's just never,
0:04:17 > 0:04:19it's just never kind of happened.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Although he's not totally against the idea, Steve's got reservations.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34I have a good business here, I have a good job here,
0:04:34 > 0:04:36Lindy has a good job here.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42We've got a nice house, we're a stone's throw away from a school.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46We've got good friends, with our family...
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- Why change it?- You know, he's very much if life's not broken, why fix it?
0:04:51 > 0:04:55But I don't think he kind of sees it that, well, for me it's a bit broken.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01On the surface Lindy's life appears good, but deep down she's still
0:05:01 > 0:05:04reeling from the break-up of her first marriage.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07She talks about it but then bottles it again
0:05:07 > 0:05:11and then she'll stop talking about it. She doesn't open up a lot.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16I focus on the kids and my job and Steve,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20and that's kind of my little bubble that I live in.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23I'd love her to be more outgoing and grab a bottle of wine and go to a
0:05:23 > 0:05:26friend's house or, you know, go out with the girls.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30You know, Steve does have darts, he has poker and he's got his
0:05:30 > 0:05:32disco business and all that kind of stuff.
0:05:35 > 0:05:36And I don't really...
0:05:38 > 0:05:40I don't really have anything, to be honest.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44And Lindy is convinced that a new life in New Zealand is the way forward.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49I sometimes think a total clean break, going living there,
0:05:49 > 0:05:51new jobs, new opportunities,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54loads for the kids to do, is the right thing to do.
0:05:56 > 0:05:57But a move means separating Niamh,
0:05:57 > 0:06:01Lindy's daughter from her first marriage, from her father.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05I wouldn't get to see my dad as much as I see him now.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08I'll miss having fun with him.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13I think if Niamh was to say, "Mum, I definitely don't want to go",
0:06:13 > 0:06:18then the chances are we wouldn't go, because I wouldn't leave her here, obviously.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Oh, big sneezes!
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Then there's Steve's mum.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26She's a generous, lovely woman that will help anybody.
0:06:26 > 0:06:27She makes dinner, she's kind.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31She's helped look after the kids so that I could go back to
0:06:31 > 0:06:32work and stuff.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Every time I speak to my mum about moving to New Zealand, she cries and
0:06:38 > 0:06:41says, "You're not taking my grandchildren away from me."
0:06:41 > 0:06:45A trial week will help the family experience the life they might have
0:06:45 > 0:06:47in New Zealand.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51It's exactly what we need to give us the decision whether we
0:06:51 > 0:06:54could or should move to New Zealand.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59This very together couple are places apart as far as a move down under is
0:06:59 > 0:07:04concerned, but Steve is supportive and for Lindy, the time is now.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08It's always been a dream of hers, and for me,
0:07:08 > 0:07:13if I can make that come true or if I can make her happy by doing it,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15then we may as well give it a go.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17Because I think if I don't do it now...
0:07:19 > 0:07:21..then we'll never do it.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28For their trial week, the MacEwans are staying in Hamilton,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island.
0:07:31 > 0:07:37Their temporary home is a '60s style split-level house overlooking the city.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39It's spacious, nice.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Wow, that is some view.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- We could go out into the garden. - Yeah, and play rugby!
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- Yeah.- I think it looks nice, so far so good, anyway.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Both Steve and Lindy like what they see so far.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Even the weather seems to be onside.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58I think if we got to see, like, what it was like when the weather's
0:07:58 > 0:08:01good, that would probably kind of cement things a lot better for us.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Hopefully change some people's minds.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09Hmm, but it seems Lindy may have already scored an early conversion.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11You can already see, even from this house,
0:08:11 > 0:08:13they've got rugby stadiums over there.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16You know, once you hit a rugby club, you're home from home,
0:08:16 > 0:08:17it's a family background.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21You know finding a pub, maybe, that's got a darts team...
0:08:22 > 0:08:24That's always a plus.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Well, we'll do our best, Steve!
0:08:30 > 0:08:34Back in the UK, the MacEwan family live in Fife on the east coast
0:08:34 > 0:08:37of Scotland in a four bedroom mid-terrace house.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Since we've been here, it's been great.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Nice big gardens for the kids to play in,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45just everything's ideal for us.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49If they did make the move down under, they'd rent out their UK house.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52So if it wasn't working or if it wasn't for us,
0:08:52 > 0:08:55we'd have a great place to come back.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58The couple also plan to rent down under and have set a budget
0:08:58 > 0:08:59of £1,200 per month.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03I want a bigger kitchen because my kitchen's not big here and I
0:09:03 > 0:09:05love a big kitchen.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07With loads of storage!
0:09:07 > 0:09:09For Steve, it's all about location.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13A park nearby that I could take the boys to,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15throw a rugby ball about with.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Cohen has a very particular request.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22A house with a clock on the top and every time you come out,
0:09:22 > 0:09:26we can check what time it is.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30And Kane and Niamh have just one thing on their wish list.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I would like a house with a pool.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38A swimming pool in the back garden, only if we get a house with that.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43For Lindy, relocating down under isn't all about moving to a better house.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46If we can afford to have a house that's slightly bigger,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49where there's a spare room for family coming over,
0:09:49 > 0:09:50that would be great.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54However, I don't want to go over there and have to work the same here
0:09:54 > 0:09:57to effectively have a better house out there.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01We're going across there to make life a little bit better
0:10:01 > 0:10:05and easier, not make it more difficult.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11To give the family an idea of what's on offer in the rental market in
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Hamilton, we're showing them three properties,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17two on budget and one which could be their dream home.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Their search begins in Hamilton East.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26With plenty of parks, playgrounds and shopping outlets on the
0:10:26 > 0:10:29doorstep, this suburb's a popular spot with young families,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32so it could be ideal for the MacEwans.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34What will they make of this modern Kiwi bungalow?
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- This is a bit tight.- A small wee cul-de-sac.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45But maybe it's deceiving and the inside will be much bigger.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48Nice hallway. Small but open plan.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51Kitchen's a bit small, but that's because that's my thing.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Not to say that it wouldn't be liveable, I suppose.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Can we cook up any positives?
0:11:00 > 0:11:03Possibly this could be just a kitchen-dining area,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06so you could have the table and chairs in there,
0:11:06 > 0:11:07if there was another living area.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10I wouldn't want to be watching telly and still smelling the curry that I
0:11:10 > 0:11:12made the night before.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Oh, that's a no then.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17The children head outside with a childminder
0:11:17 > 0:11:18to play with a furry friend.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20Where'd he go?
0:11:22 > 0:11:26Meanwhile, back inside, things go from bad to worse.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30If this is the living room, it is very small.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Lindy's beginning to worry.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36If this is, like, our budget,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39then I kind of think...
0:11:39 > 0:11:41Down to earth with a bump.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42And as they move upstairs,
0:11:42 > 0:11:46how is Lindy feeling about her first New Zealand house viewing?
0:11:46 > 0:11:51It's not making me feel like, "Oh, yeah, let's move here."
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Is Steve any more convinced?
0:11:54 > 0:11:57I wouldn't move from Scotland to here in this particular house,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01because it's just, we've got better back home, so what's the point?
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Oh, dear. And things are bad when Lindy,
0:12:04 > 0:12:09who is passionately behind the move, isn't taken by the house.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12The decor and the layout and stuff like that seems to be fine,
0:12:12 > 0:12:18but it's just a little bit small for the size of our family,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21like, compared to the size of the rooms back home, so far.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Things brighten briefly in the bathroom.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Nice big shower for me, I could actually move in that shower.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31That bath's tiny though, you're never getting in that bath!
0:12:31 > 0:12:34No, never. I don't fit in baths normally anyway.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36You're certainly not getting in that one!
0:12:38 > 0:12:42But what about the great outdoor living New Zealand is famous for?
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Hmm, it's not happening in this garden.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Strange drain in the middle of your garden.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50Put the trampoline in here for the kids and then that's it.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53There is no view.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55It's just house, house, house, house, house.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58I don't like that.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Then Lindy gets the giggles.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02I just think...
0:13:04 > 0:13:07You've got to wear your Speedos in the back garden
0:13:07 > 0:13:09and nobody will see you.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14Yeah, I can wear my Speedos in the back garden, yeah.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15That's my warped mind!
0:13:15 > 0:13:18A sight to behold, I'm sure!
0:13:18 > 0:13:19Time to get serious.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24Steve and Lindy's rental budget is £1,200 per month.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27So what do you think the price per calendar month is going to be on
0:13:27 > 0:13:33- this property?- I'd be hoping it be about 600-700.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36See, I think this would be about £800-900 a month.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39You ready for me to turn over?
0:13:39 > 0:13:40- Mm-hmm.- Yeah.- OK.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46£1039 per month.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- Nah, that's unbelievable, that's unbelievable.- Really?
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Actually somebody would pay over £1,000 a month for this.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57I think they'd be off their head!
0:13:57 > 0:13:59That's not far off the budget.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04With their day discovering Hamilton properties off to a disappointing
0:14:04 > 0:14:08start, might Lindy's window of opportunity to convince Steve that a
0:14:08 > 0:14:12life down under is for them already be firmly closed?
0:14:12 > 0:14:17Property number two is 15 minutes away in Rototuna, north of Hamilton.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21It's a popular area that attracts young affluent families wanting to
0:14:21 > 0:14:25be out of the city but close to all the amenities they need - schools,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28shops and easy access to the Hamilton highways.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31This place looks like it has it all,
0:14:31 > 0:14:34but will it impress enough to get things back on track?
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Much better. I think I feel a bit more excited.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42Very lovely. The garden looks very high maintenance but I don't mind it.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45So far, so good.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47The two double doors are quite fancy.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- This is lovely, yeah.- Much bigger, looks as if we've got more space for
0:14:53 > 0:14:55all six of us, plus if relatives were to come over.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- Very nice.- First impressions are encouraging,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03but size is a big issue with the MacEwans.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07If the boys grow up like their dad to be six foot seven,
0:15:07 > 0:15:09they'll need space, and lots of it.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Yeah, it's a better size kitchen.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16There's plenty of space, plenty of cupboards, plenty of storage space
0:15:16 > 0:15:18for putting all my baking things and whatever in.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20Yeah, no, I like it.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Is Lindy daring to dream again?
0:15:23 > 0:15:27Fingers crossed they'll be enough bedrooms and not massively over budget.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33Big smiles all round, and as the three bedrooms get the thumbs up,
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Steve's picking up on the positives.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39This is a more realistic place where we could live and I do like
0:15:39 > 0:15:43everything that I've seen so far, so quite excited about this house.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- Yeah.- But he's not completely satisfied just yet.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50If we've got one more bedroom, it's like perfect.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54And lo and behold...
0:15:54 > 0:15:55Wahey!
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- Four bedrooms, happy days. - This would be ideal for us,
0:15:59 > 0:16:02because everybody's got what they kind of need.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- Quite excited.- Ticks all the boxes so far,
0:16:05 > 0:16:07I'm really happy with what we've seen.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Although the main bathroom is a bit small,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14the optimistic outlook continues into the man cave.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16That's garage to you and me.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20Is Steve beginning to see himself at home here?
0:16:20 > 0:16:27Ah, perfect. Bar, dartboard, yeah, my area, most definitely.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32It's a garage, how excited can you possibly be about a garage?
0:16:32 > 0:16:34At least he is excited.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39New Zealand may be getting a little bit closer and the garden seems to
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- be the real deal.- Lovely, eh?
0:16:41 > 0:16:42Looks very tropical.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Yeah, could definitely see us here, like.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- Speedos on!- Other swimming trunks are available.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52Might not get away with that quite so much here, though.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54Steve is definitely running with this now,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57but he's keeping his eye firmly fixed on the ball.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03When you look at this, your concerns sort of disappear.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- Yeah.- But to have a house like this, we have to have foundations,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09we have to have our careers in place, we have to have our jobs,
0:17:09 > 0:17:12where we're earning the money so we can afford a place like this.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14They love the property,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17but is it within their rental budget of £1,200 per month?
0:17:19 > 0:17:21I really want this to be not too much over budget,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24because I think it will be over budget
0:17:24 > 0:17:29because it's ideal and it ticks all our boxes that we wanted.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34- Are you ready for me to turn over? - Yeah.- OK.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38It is...£1270 a month.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- No way, seriously?!- Yeah.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45This is amazing. This is like bang on budget, exactly what we want,
0:17:45 > 0:17:46ticks all the boxes.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- Totally.- I suppose all we've got to do now is kick the tenants out of
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- here so we can...- Move in. - Move in!
0:17:53 > 0:17:58Spoken like the competitive rugby player Steve once was.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02Property two has impressed and it looks like the odds on Lindy
0:18:02 > 0:18:05persuading Steve to make the move could be swinging in her favour.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09And there's still one house to go.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Returning to Hamilton east, where their search started,
0:18:12 > 0:18:16we found what we think could be the family's dream home,
0:18:16 > 0:18:18and perfect for dad Steve,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21this four bedroom villa has two pubs within walking distance.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24Oh, this is nice.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Look at the kitchen!
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Nice big cooker, big range cooker, really nice.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33I'm loving the kitchen.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Look at that cooker. I could bake loads of cakes in that.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40I could totally see myself having a kitchen like this, yeah.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44And Steve is talking about it as if it's Chez MacEwans already.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49Yeah, take away the piano and put a 65 inch telly up there.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Totally different to anything I've ever lived in before.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- Yeah.- It's nice, I like it.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57And then they see through the windows, a pool.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- Oh, wow.- Oh, my gosh!
0:18:59 > 0:19:02This is beautiful. Look at the views.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Straight away, the pool's a massive plus.
0:19:05 > 0:19:06The Speedos would be on, definitely!
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- Definitely!- No, there would be no Speedos.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- Yeah.- No!- I think this is the house.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17And does this make you want to move to New Zealand?
0:19:17 > 0:19:21I would say, "Yeah," for the swimming pool in the back garden
0:19:21 > 0:19:25and a nice big house, and, "No," because I want to stay with my dad, so...
0:19:25 > 0:19:29A first indication there of the emotional pull from home.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Back indoors, the main bedroom is on the ground floor.
0:19:35 > 0:19:36Big double wardrobes.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39High ceilings, super king-size bed.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- I love it.- And then you've got the balcony as well.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47Trying not to get too excited and be like, "I want this house,
0:19:47 > 0:19:51"I want this house," and then it's like totally off the scale and not
0:19:51 > 0:19:54necessarily possible.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59But for now, this is proving to be the dream house and even the
0:19:59 > 0:20:01bathroom is a perfect fit.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- Yeah, but that's what you...- I love baths like that,
0:20:04 > 0:20:06like the old-fashioned roll-top baths.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Yeah, I might actually fit in that bath.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- It's way bigger than our bathroom at home, way, way bigger.- Yeah.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17They explore more and find this is a house that keeps on giving.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23Room after room registers a plus, but what about the garage?
0:20:23 > 0:20:27Garages are for man caves, not for cars.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29So the kids have got a pool, you've got a man cave.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- You've got your big kitchen.- And then when youse are all out there,
0:20:32 > 0:20:34I could just sit in the house in peace and quiet.
0:20:34 > 0:20:35- Yeah.- Sounds good to me.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38So that's everyone sorted, then.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43And this property's glorious garden gives a glimpse of a picture perfect
0:20:43 > 0:20:47lifestyle that has just one cloud on the horizon.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50So I wonder how much this is going to be over budget.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Do you think this is going to be a lot over budget
0:20:53 > 0:20:56or maybe just a couple of hundred pounds?
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Beginning to sound as if you really care, Steve.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03I reckon it's going to be in around £1800-£2000.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08I'd go with that, I'd say probably nearer the 2,000.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- Yeah. Any of you ready to flip it over?- Yeah.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19£1,500 per month.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21That's a lot cheaper than I thought.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24£300 more than Steve and Lindy had allocated,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26but a lot less than expected.
0:21:26 > 0:21:32Could they stretch their budget, and if so, which house would they go for?
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Property two and property three are probably both within a budget that we would...
0:21:37 > 0:21:40..we would be able to manage, definitely.
0:21:40 > 0:21:45The MacEwans' property search started slowly but ended on a real high.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Property one wasn't for them at all.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50It felt too cramped for this larger than life family.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54And being right on budget was a big disappointment for Lindy,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57her expectations plummeted.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59House number two lifted their spirits.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04Lindy and Steve loved the open plan layout and abundance of light
0:22:04 > 0:22:08flooding the house. It ticked all the boxes and was within budget.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Could things get any better?
0:22:11 > 0:22:14For Lindy they did with the dream house, with spectacular views,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17fab kitchen, four bedrooms and a pool,
0:22:17 > 0:22:20it seemed a perfect pad for the MacEwans.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23It was over budget, but not as much as they'd feared.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25So based on all they've learned,
0:22:25 > 0:22:29will the family choose property in the UK or New Zealand?
0:22:38 > 0:22:39New Zealand.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Well, Niamh has yet to be convinced,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46but Steve's off and running and Lindy's on course.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51House number two and this one are pretty phenomenal for what the price is.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54A £1,500 house in Scotland,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56you could not get something like this with a pool in the back garden.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58No, definitely not.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Steve's vote for New Zealand is a great start to the week for Lindy,
0:23:04 > 0:23:08but she knows it's a long game and everything's still to play for.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11So for her dream to become a reality,
0:23:11 > 0:23:15they'll both need to find jobs that will enable them to pay for it.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Back in the UK, Lindy's a nurse.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I'm dual registered, so I could be a general nurse or
0:23:21 > 0:23:23work as a mental health nurse.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25I've got a nurse prescribing qualification,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27so I can prescribe medication as well.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Quite a lot of experience in different areas.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34So there's always kind of loads of issues that come with it,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36but I do enjoy being a nurse.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39I couldn't imagine being anything else now.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44Lindy's hoping she'll be earning more but working less in New Zealand.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49I'm led to believe nurses are kind of paid a bit better over in
0:23:49 > 0:23:51New Zealand than they are here in the UK.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55So I'm hoping that going over there, working part-time,
0:23:55 > 0:23:58there won't be a massive drop in my wage,
0:23:58 > 0:24:02or at least if I had to work a full-time job,
0:24:02 > 0:24:04the work-life balance is better.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09Steve works in the prison service helping rehabilitate offenders.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15I like helping people and understand that if I can stop somebody from
0:24:15 > 0:24:19reoffending and going out into the communities and making a safer
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Scotland, then I'm doing my job.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Steve also has his own mobile disco,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26which he loves and brings in a bit of extra income.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30I have the equipment, I'm ready to go with that.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32It could be an option.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37He's also wondering if early retirement is on the New Zealand cards.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Over here, we have to work until we're 68-years-old.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42If I could retire in New Zealand at 55,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44then it's going to be a better lifestyle straightaway.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51The couple set off to explore their work opportunities in New Zealand.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53First up, Lindy meets Carol Kennedy,
0:24:53 > 0:24:57the Director of Nursing at a busy hospital in downtown Hamilton.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03Carol has read Lindy's CV and is very quick to make encouraging noises.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08We have a number of services and I see that you've done quite a bit in
0:25:08 > 0:25:11your time as a nurse, so there's lots of opportunities.
0:25:11 > 0:25:12With the skill set that I've got,
0:25:12 > 0:25:14what kind of earning potential would I have,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17in relation to coming over here and working as a nurse here?
0:25:17 > 0:25:24You'd be graded at Grade 5, so you'd start at £35,000.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- OK.- Yep.- Sounds good!
0:25:27 > 0:25:30That £6,000 more than she earns in Scotland.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32A lot more than I earn back home.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35So could she get a job in New Zealand?
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Absolutely doable. I would encourage you to e-mail me directly,
0:25:38 > 0:25:39because I've got contacts.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Now I've met you, I've got a sense of who you are and then what I'll do
0:25:43 > 0:25:44is I'll flick out your CVs.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49- But, of course, we want you to come to the Waikato. Yeah.- Yeah!
0:25:49 > 0:25:54So a very positive outcome for Lindy and the CEO of the hospital is keen
0:25:54 > 0:25:56to meet her, too, as guess what...?
0:25:56 > 0:25:58He's a fellow Fifer.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- I'm originally from Kirkcaldy. - Wow, that's where I grew up.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- So which part?- Derek and his family moved in 1992,
0:26:04 > 0:26:07and New Zealand now feels very much like home.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11Everything that we kind of loved about Scotland that had now gone,
0:26:11 > 0:26:15was here. There's a lot of technology here, but they kind of,
0:26:15 > 0:26:19I guess the way you live just feels like how we used to live back in Scotland.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21So my kids settled really quickly.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Although Scotland's always home, I'd never go back and live there,
0:26:24 > 0:26:25- I don't think.- I feel quite excited.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28You've got quite a strong background, I've seen your CV.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30- Yeah.- So I think you'd have real good opportunities.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Lovely, sounds good.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Lindy's feeling good about the day but cautiously concerned.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Everything depends on how Steve is getting on.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40He's visiting Spring Hill Prison,
0:26:40 > 0:26:44where he meets expat Prison Director, Chris Lightbown.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Steve is keen to find out how he found the big move to New Zealand.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54My advice to you would be try not to overcomplicate it,
0:26:54 > 0:26:55because the more you think about it,
0:26:55 > 0:26:58there's 110 reasons why you wouldn't make the move.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02Fantastic place to bring up children, great outdoor lifestyle,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04good standard of living and you could have that.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06I think it's a great place to live.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09If I could offer you one piece of advice,
0:27:09 > 0:27:12it would be think about ten things you're going to miss and then
0:27:12 > 0:27:14completely forget about them.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16I struggle to think about three!
0:27:17 > 0:27:21Next, the facts and figures from recruitment officer Kate Forsyth and
0:27:21 > 0:27:24Steve's keen to find out the process for getting a job.
0:27:24 > 0:27:30The first part is completing the online psychometric assessment
0:27:30 > 0:27:33and then we would invite you to an assessment centre.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36That gives us the opportunity to see you in action.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40So once you're through them, what do you have to do once you pass that?
0:27:40 > 0:27:43The actual full training for a corrections officer in
0:27:43 > 0:27:44New Zealand is 12 weeks.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46What's the starting salary like?
0:27:46 > 0:27:50When you start on your training, it's £26,000,
0:27:50 > 0:27:55then once you graduate, it goes up to £27,000.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58That's less than he earns in the UK and along with the stringent
0:27:58 > 0:28:02recruitment and training process, it's definitely a knock-back,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05although there are promotion opportunities.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07But what about Steve's other key concern?
0:28:07 > 0:28:09What's the pension age that you would retire at?
0:28:09 > 0:28:13The retirement age is 65, yeah, yeah.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17In saying that, we've still have a few officers that are sticking
0:28:17 > 0:28:20around and we've got, I think, a couple that even up to the 70 mark.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- Is it?- The jobs are that good here, that they don't want to go anywhere!
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Yeah, that sounds good.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Retirement isn't as early as Steve had hoped,
0:28:27 > 0:28:29so there's plenty to ponder.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32OK, thanks very much. It's very good to have that sort of knowledge
0:28:32 > 0:28:35now and understanding more about the job, thank you.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37Thank you.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Steve and Lindy meet up to share their news.
0:28:40 > 0:28:41- Hi, babe.- Hi.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44How'd you get on at your job, then?
0:28:44 > 0:28:46Aye, it was really good. I'd be starting off,
0:28:46 > 0:28:49I think it was roughly about £35,000.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52The career progression's much better.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56I really enjoyed it and I'm quite excited about the prospects of
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- working over here.- That's great. - What about you?
0:28:59 > 0:29:04Good. The facilities that the prisoners have over here are second to none.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07My only concern is I'm starting at the bottom again,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10so lesser wages for me than what I get back home.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13But then I suppose you've got to think about why we're wanting to
0:29:13 > 0:29:16- move here.- Yeah, that's not to say that I wouldn't,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- but it's still that wee bit of doubt in my mind.- Right.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23I wonder which way this vote will go.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27So, after finding out about our jobs today, our vote goes to...
0:29:34 > 0:29:36- New Zealand.- Undecided.
0:29:37 > 0:29:42My only concern is starting at the bottom again and lesser wages.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44The job itself would be good.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48Well, I'm picking New Zealand because my career prospects are way
0:29:48 > 0:29:51better, earning potential is way better, so go get the kids,
0:29:51 > 0:29:54see what the next few days have got to bring and hopefully that might
0:29:54 > 0:29:56sway you a bit more.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03Halfway through their trial week,
0:30:03 > 0:30:05and the MacEwan jury is still undecided.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10We have no idea whether Lindy and Steve are going to get
0:30:10 > 0:30:14a unanimous verdict on where this family's future lies.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16What is certain is that with
0:30:16 > 0:30:19the all-important financial reality check
0:30:19 > 0:30:22and messages from home still to come,
0:30:22 > 0:30:27things are bound to get more tense before a decision is made.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31First, though, can a family day out in the great New Zealand outdoors
0:30:31 > 0:30:34get Lindy's dream back on track?
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- See, she's got little claws as well? - Yeah.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41The MacEwans start the day with a visit to Hamilton Zoo.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43Kids are enjoying themselves.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47As I say, we get to kind of spend time together as a family,
0:30:47 > 0:30:49so hopefully, you know, the kids getting to do this,
0:30:49 > 0:30:53and Steve kind of being involved as well will kind of cement everything together.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55Enjoying warm winter weather,
0:30:55 > 0:30:57the family head off to Ruakuri Caves
0:30:57 > 0:31:01and an emotional reunion with an old friend of Steve's.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06It's been over ten years since Steve's seen his old flatmate
0:31:06 > 0:31:08and rugby buddy Jay.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10- Looking well.- Yeah, you are too.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12THEY LAUGH
0:31:12 > 0:31:14This is Lindy.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- Hello, how are you? - I'm good, how are you?- Good.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- Sorry, what's your name?- Hi. Lindy.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Hi, Lindy, I'm Tammy.
0:31:21 > 0:31:22- Hiya.- Nice to meet you.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24You're smiling, hello!
0:31:24 > 0:31:29Well, the parents have hit it off. Now the children bond, Kiwi-style.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Lindy's spell on the bench allows her to compare notes on New Zealand
0:31:37 > 0:31:39and set out her game plan.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41So how's it all going anyway?
0:31:42 > 0:31:48- I'm loving it.- Yeah?- Yeah, I really like it. I would move here tomorrow, I think.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51And Jay applies his powers of persuasion to sway Steve.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56And a bit of alfresco dining ends a perfect day.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59Everything just gelled in and it was like perfect,
0:31:59 > 0:32:03you know, the kids and that all mingling with the other kids around.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07So I hope that they do come over because...really good people,
0:32:07 > 0:32:08and awesome to be a part of my life.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10It's great to have that sort of...
0:32:10 > 0:32:13..know that you're not going over and knowing nobody,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16not having a social network, so it's good to have that friendship.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21So, Steve, let's put this in rugby terms.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24Has the move to New Zealand been kicked into touch
0:32:24 > 0:32:28or has this fun family day ended with a late conversion?
0:32:28 > 0:32:32So, after a great day out today at the zoo, meeting up with Jay,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35seeing what New Zealand's got to offer us from a leisure point of view,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37the MacEwan family are voting for...
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- ALL:- New Zealand!
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Yeah, New Zealand!
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Really good, cos yesterday was a bit more like...don't really know,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55from your perspective, as to whether you'd want to do it or not.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59Yeah, I mean, you look straightaway at the weather and then coming out,
0:32:59 > 0:33:03having fun, costing hardly any money for us all to have great fun,
0:33:03 > 0:33:06and Cohen's not stuck in house playing Xbox,
0:33:06 > 0:33:09he's actually out enjoying himself, which is great to see.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16A full house for New Zealand is a real boost for Lindy,
0:33:16 > 0:33:19but a new life down under has to make financial sense.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Can they afford it?
0:33:21 > 0:33:23The couple plan to rent out their home back in the UK
0:33:23 > 0:33:27but think it would sell for around £105,000.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31To see if they're right, we sent two estate agents round to find out.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39Oh, no.
0:33:39 > 0:33:40Nice fence.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45Nice family lounge, spacious.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47Look how tidy my house is.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Opening out into the dining area,
0:33:50 > 0:33:55which...ideal for today's families.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59Modern fitted kitchen, integrated appliances, excellent selling point.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03Nice family bathroom upstairs.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05You've also got the shower room downstairs,
0:34:05 > 0:34:10which is a three-piece - completely ideal for today's busy families.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12This is the big selling point of this property,
0:34:12 > 0:34:15this is a fourth bedroom. This is what makes this property different
0:34:15 > 0:34:18from the threes and the twos - is the fact you've got
0:34:18 > 0:34:21this fantastic master bedroom. And with the built-in storage,
0:34:21 > 0:34:24that gives you even additional space and really makes it a first-class
0:34:24 > 0:34:26selling point for this property.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30In today's market I'd value this property at £110,000,
0:34:30 > 0:34:34and for a quick sale, I'd put on the market...offers over £105,000.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38In today's market I'd be looking to put the property on at £110,000.
0:34:38 > 0:34:43Working towards a quick sale, I'd be looking to market it at £105,000.
0:34:43 > 0:34:44If the owners wanted to rent the property,
0:34:44 > 0:34:48I would suggest a rental value of £650 per calendar month.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51If the clients decided to rent the property out,
0:34:51 > 0:34:56they can achieve between £575-£600 per calendar month.
0:34:58 > 0:34:59That was all right, yeah.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03The whole putting it on at 105, I was a bit like, "What?"
0:35:03 > 0:35:06They said for quick sale, but we know the houses go quick
0:35:06 > 0:35:08and four bedrooms in that area are like...
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- Gold dust.- Aye, so...
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- No, I'm quite happy with that, actually.- Yeah.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19The valuations are good news, but will bills breach the budget?
0:35:19 > 0:35:23Lindy and Steve compare the costs of living in New Zealand with the UK.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26It's like treble the price.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29Chicken breasts are slightly more expensive.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Everything's pretty much a bit more expensive.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34So the weekly grocery bill is...
0:35:34 > 0:35:38£142.84.
0:35:38 > 0:35:4050 quid dearer.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43I wouldn't grumble over an extra 50 quid a week.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46But adding in the other household bills makes matters worse.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49The difference on that would be...
0:35:50 > 0:35:53..£714.21.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58Over £700 per month worse off is significant, but what about incomes?
0:35:58 > 0:36:01So there's obviously a big difference in mine,
0:36:01 > 0:36:03but that's cos I'm starting at the bottom again.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07But that wouldn't be like that for long. What you're kind of losing,
0:36:07 > 0:36:08- I'm...- Gaining.- ..making.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12Steve's income does go down whilst Lindy's increases,
0:36:12 > 0:36:15so where does that leave them overall?
0:36:15 > 0:36:22£5,210.52 a year worse off in New Zealand.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26And that's not taking into consideration flights to go home.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- Yeah.- If we ever afford to move here, would we never,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32ever go back to Scotland again, like?
0:36:32 > 0:36:34It wouldn't be a yearly event, no.
0:36:34 > 0:36:35It would be for Niamh.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38But Steve's still looking on the bright side.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41So, final thoughts, it doesn't look good on paper but that's because
0:36:41 > 0:36:44I'm starting at the bottom of my wages again.
0:36:44 > 0:36:50Within a year or two years, then I'd be better off by £8,000.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52If I bring my business over here as well,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Big Stevie's Discos could be working in New Zealand and I could be
0:36:55 > 0:36:57earning that to make up the difference anyway.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Steve and Lindy are doing their best to cast a favourable light
0:37:00 > 0:37:03on a disappointing outcome.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06It's vote time and things are far from clear that Lindy's dream
0:37:06 > 0:37:09of a new life in New Zealand would be affordable.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15- UK.- Undecided.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20UK? Never thought you'd do that!
0:37:20 > 0:37:24Well, based on what it says on paper, we're going to be...
0:37:25 > 0:37:26- Worse off.- Which is bizarre,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29given it's me that's like, "I want to move to New Zealand."
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Time is running out for Steve and Lindy to make
0:37:31 > 0:37:34one of the most important decisions their lives.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43So, it's a first upset of the week and there could be plenty more,
0:37:43 > 0:37:46because the MacEwans are settling down to watch messages
0:37:46 > 0:37:50from loved ones back home. The children say they want to watch,
0:37:50 > 0:37:53but almost immediately Lindy is upset.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57And little Niamh finds it tough seeing her mummy cry.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- Hi, Steve, Lindy and kids. - Hi, Stevie, hi, Lindy.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09Hi, guys, I hope you're all having fun over there and it's everything
0:38:09 > 0:38:10you thought it would be.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13You couldn't probably match two better people.
0:38:13 > 0:38:14Fantastic kids.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18You know, full of life, full of fun, full of mischief as well.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21They're like friends as well. They're quite close.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23- Oh, yeah.- They're like best friends kind of thing,
0:38:23 > 0:38:25as well as being husband and wife.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29Lindy's a very loving, caring person. Um...
0:38:29 > 0:38:31She's a good daughter,
0:38:31 > 0:38:33everything a mother could want.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35She's always there when I need advice.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38If I pop round, she'll make me a cup of coffee, a bit of cake.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42He's as genuine as they come, what you see is what you get.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Just a big, lovely cuddly guy.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46He would do anything to help you.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Well, there's Niamh. She's ten this year.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52I've got a really good bond with her.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56We do a lot of girlie stuff, like nails and, you know, chat,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59snuggle up, and she's always trying to pinch my phone.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01The kids are my life.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03I look after them
0:39:03 > 0:39:08and I've brought the two boys up so far and I'm going to get upset.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11But I don't want them to go.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14The minuses for them going is I'll need to get a new minibus driver
0:39:14 > 0:39:17for a Friday night, but the pluses are we'll have four spare pies
0:39:17 > 0:39:19on a Friday night!
0:39:19 > 0:39:20STEVE LAUGHS
0:39:22 > 0:39:26I'm used to her being round the corner. It won't be the same
0:39:26 > 0:39:27if she's not here.
0:39:27 > 0:39:32Oh, yeah, I'll be devastated if she goes, but, at the same time,
0:39:32 > 0:39:34I want her to have a better lifestyle.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37It's what they've always wanted to do.
0:39:37 > 0:39:42I think the kids will adjust very easily to life in New Zealand
0:39:42 > 0:39:46and, yeah, I just look forward to going over and visiting them,
0:39:46 > 0:39:47to be honest.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51I love you all, and if you decide to go to New Zealand,
0:39:51 > 0:39:53I don't want you to worry about me.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57I want you to do what's right for you and for the kids.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03The family's faces say it all.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Those heartfelt messages are going to be hard to ignore.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10At the start of their trial week,
0:40:10 > 0:40:14Lindy's task was to convince husband Steve and family that moving
0:40:14 > 0:40:19to New Zealand would give them a much longed-for fresh start.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Steve, however, needed to be convinced that the reality
0:40:22 > 0:40:26matched Lindy's expectations, but after the week,
0:40:26 > 0:40:28have the tables turned?
0:40:28 > 0:40:33Is it now Steve who's pushing for the move, with Lindy having doubts?
0:40:33 > 0:40:36It's time for the final vote.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39As they pick up the cards, how are they going to spin?
0:40:39 > 0:40:44Which would YOU plump for - bold New Zealand or bonnie Scotland?
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Their time down under has opened Steve's eyes to the possibility
0:40:50 > 0:40:51of life in New Zealand.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55This trial week has been amazing. It's given us a good insight.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58The week's gone down well with the children.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00It's been really good, yeah.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02I like it.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06I like to go to the park and the zoo.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09Then, of course, there's one thing they just can't ignore -
0:41:09 > 0:41:11those they would leave behind.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13I think the kids more reacted cos Lindy started crying
0:41:13 > 0:41:17before it even started, so I think their expectation of it was going
0:41:17 > 0:41:20to be worse than actually what it was.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22The financial checks hit home hard too.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25We're £5,000 a year better off in the UK,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28but New Zealand is New Zealand and the UK is the UK -
0:41:28 > 0:41:31they're two totally different countries.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34The trial week could see the tables turning.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37I can see the future here.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40It's kind of like he's flipped towards the, "Yeah, we'll go to New Zealand."
0:41:40 > 0:41:44And I'm kind of like, "Well, maybe we need to think about this a wee bit more."
0:41:44 > 0:41:46As the final vote approaches...
0:41:46 > 0:41:50I have been undecided on two and I have been with New Zealand with two.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53I'm not too sure what I'm going to vote yet.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56I don't know that I'm really sure myself at the moment, so...
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Time for the family vote.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02After a fantastic week in New Zealand, seeing a lot,
0:42:02 > 0:42:06learning a lot, the MacEwan vote goes to...
0:42:16 > 0:42:18- New Zealand.- UK!
0:42:18 > 0:42:22- Undecided.- Undecided as well.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26I think that we've still got loads to sort out and I think if I said
0:42:26 > 0:42:28one or the other, I'd be committing myself already when I think
0:42:28 > 0:42:30we still have to discuss.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33Most of my family's back home, and like...
0:42:33 > 0:42:38But New Zealand's a nice place, so I'm just undecided.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41I still went with New Zealand, cos as much as everything
0:42:41 > 0:42:45you're saying's right, I think we could still make it work.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49At the end of the week their votes revert to type.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Steve remains unsure of a move,
0:42:52 > 0:42:55Lindy believes they can make it.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59There's going to be a lot of discussion on the long flight back to Scotland,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02and whether the MacEwans make the trip to New Zealand once again
0:43:02 > 0:43:07is anybody's guess at the moment, but whatever they decide to do,
0:43:07 > 0:43:10wherever they choose to call home,
0:43:10 > 0:43:14we wish, of course, Steve, Lindy and all the children the very best.