0:00:02 > 0:00:07Welcome to Wanted Down Under, the show that catapults a British family
0:00:07 > 0:00:13right across to the other side of the world to help them make the biggest decision of their life,
0:00:13 > 0:00:17whether to stay in the UK or to move to New Zealand.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23Sharon Cole separated from her husband Richard six years ago
0:00:23 > 0:00:25and wants a new life for herself and her boys.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29It's about a house that we shared and I think in one way,
0:00:29 > 0:00:34it would be really good for me to do something completely different.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37She's tempted by a fresh start Down Under.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42Everybody is enjoying just living, and I want to have that as well.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46But older son Oliver and brother Alex aren't so sure.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48If she wants to move on, she wants to drag us with her.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51It's to be our decision as well if she's got to move.
0:00:51 > 0:00:56Sharon's concerned about taking the boys so far away from their father Richard.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01They're the most important people in my life and their happiness matters to me more than anything.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04It's a long way to go when you're leaving loved ones behind.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07People are the most important thing.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09It's the people that make a place a home.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12The Coles have a long week ahead of them.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17- Will they vote to stay in the UK or go where they're wanted Down Under? - It's beautiful.
0:01:39 > 0:01:45With its magnificent landscape, warmer climate and small population of just over four million,
0:01:45 > 0:01:50New Zealand is many people's idea of the perfect place to get away from it all.
0:01:50 > 0:01:56And every year, around 87,000 people emigrate in search of that better life.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00But for all these families, how hard is the decision?
0:02:00 > 0:02:03And do they find what they're looking for?
0:02:03 > 0:02:06We've given another British family the opportunity
0:02:06 > 0:02:11to spend a week Down Under, to see if it's all they dreamt it would be.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15After that, they'll have to make a decision, one way or the other -
0:02:15 > 0:02:20whether to stay in the UK or to move to New Zealand.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Sharon Cole lives with her two sons,
0:02:25 > 0:02:3017-year-old Oliver and 14-year-old Alex, in Shipley, Yorkshire.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34Sharon is considering leaving it all behind.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39She's been separated from Richard, her husband and father of her sons, for six years.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42She dreams of a new life in New Zealand.
0:02:42 > 0:02:49This house, in many ways, has a lot of sad memories for me because of Richard leaving and everything.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53And it's about a house that we shared, and I think in one way,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57it'll be good for me to do something completely different.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02Sharon works in a hospice as a palliative care social worker,
0:03:02 > 0:03:07providing emotional and practical support to terminally ill patients and their families.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Making the move Down Under would be difficult enough,
0:03:10 > 0:03:15so doing the same type of job might just provide the stability that she needs.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20I want to stay in palliative care, I want to do this probably until I retire.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24It's rewarding because of the very nature of the work.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29It's the kind of job where you get close to people. You can really feel as if you're making a difference.
0:03:29 > 0:03:34If I couldn't find a similar job, that would probably be a reason not to go.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38I always thought of living abroad and I always thought,
0:03:38 > 0:03:42you know, where would I like to be?
0:03:42 > 0:03:49And everything I've heard about New Zealand, it sounds like it's a lot of the things that I love about England,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52like the scenery, and it's the same size.
0:03:52 > 0:03:58I just think it may be that it's got more open spaces, a better quality of life.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02I like the fact that people spend more time outdoors.
0:04:02 > 0:04:08Fitness-mad Oliver can see the benefits of a more outdoor life in New Zealand.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13It's got less people, and it's less crowded. It's a better area, I think.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16It's easier to get jobs there because there's more
0:04:16 > 0:04:18space for that kind of thing.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23But Sharon is the real driving force behind uprooting them all.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27The boys can see just how important it is to her.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29I don't think it's just about moving house, it's just everything
0:04:29 > 0:04:33in our whole life has been in the same place.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36She just wants to have a new adventure somewhere else.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40She just needs to start again and needs a new, happy lifestyle.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45She wants a break from memories of this life.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48When we're on holiday, she forgets everything but when she comes back
0:04:48 > 0:04:53to it, it's like, "Oh, I remember all this," and horrible bad memories creep up on her.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58I want her to have a new beginning, even if I'm not included in it.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00I want her to be happy.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05Shipley has been home to the boys all their lives. Sharon's concerned about taking them away
0:05:05 > 0:05:10from their father and their friends. Will it be the right decision for them?
0:05:10 > 0:05:12My main concern is the boys,
0:05:12 > 0:05:19because they're the most important people in my life and their happiness matters to me more than anything.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22And I'm frightened that I would do this for me and perhaps,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25you know, they would get there and think, "What's happened?
0:05:25 > 0:05:30"There's nobody around that we know, nothing is familiar any more, Dad's a long way away,"
0:05:30 > 0:05:35and I'm frightened that I might be wrecking their lives, I suppose,
0:05:35 > 0:05:41that maybe I'll destabilise them in some way, because their security is really important.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45It's a really tough choice for Sharon.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51We're sending the Coles to the vibrant city of Auckland,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55situated on the northeast coast of New Zealand's North Island.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Auckland is known as New Zealand's city of sails,
0:05:59 > 0:06:03as it has more yachts per person than any other city in the world.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06It boasts only one million people, and it's New Zealand's largest city.
0:06:06 > 0:06:14There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy its unspoilt landscape as well as its metropolitan lifestyle.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19With the Coles' possible budget of £185,000, they should be able
0:06:19 > 0:06:23to find a suitable property if they shop around.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28We've found three possible lifestyles for our family, each one
0:06:28 > 0:06:33offering a brand new way of life for them to try on their budget.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36But which one will be the most suitable?
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Auckland City has a plentiful choice of homes, from high-rise apartments
0:06:40 > 0:06:41to old-style villas.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45But property prices in the centre have boomed in recent years
0:06:45 > 0:06:50and the Coles would have to make do with less space than they have in the UK.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55This three-bed property is on the market for over £350,000,
0:06:55 > 0:06:59too much for the Coles, but they could look to the nearby suburbs.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04Here, the houses are more affordable and they'd still be close to the cosmopolitan lifestyle.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08It would only be a 20-minute commute to the city's hospices.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12So, very different from their life in the UK.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15But what about the second option?
0:07:15 > 0:07:17A home by the sea would offer them
0:07:17 > 0:07:21a more laid-back lifestyle, as Auckland's coastline epitomises
0:07:21 > 0:07:24the calm and beauty that people come here for.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27But prices can be expensive, with this four-bed open-plan property
0:07:27 > 0:07:31going for over double the Coles' budget.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35Sharon's commute to work would take a little longer with this option,
0:07:35 > 0:07:40but Oliver and Alex would have watersport activities right on their doorstep.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43That looks very inviting.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46But what about the third option?
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Properties are a lot better value in the country and provide
0:07:49 > 0:07:54the tranquillity and beautiful landscapes that Sharon longs for.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Homes in the Bush area of Titirangi
0:07:57 > 0:08:02are full of character, like this four-bed luxury open-plan house.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05With a village centre boasting vibrant cafes, good amenities and
0:08:05 > 0:08:09a theatre, this should be just the place for arts lover Sharon.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Her commute to work would take just half an hour.
0:08:12 > 0:08:18There are also good transport links for Oliver and Alex to get to the city centre.
0:08:20 > 0:08:29Three very different options there, all of them life-changing. So, where did we decide to send the Coles?
0:08:29 > 0:08:34With the promise of a good mix of country living, more affordable houses, and a short commute
0:08:34 > 0:08:40to the city, we decided that the Bush area in Titirangi would be the best option for the Coles.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43We lined up a potential job for Sharon...
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- This is really good. Nice and spacious.- ..and a selection of housing options...
0:08:48 > 0:08:53Every room was big and there are all these views.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55It's just brilliant.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59..and threw them into the deep end of New Zealand life.
0:08:59 > 0:09:05But they have a tough week ahead of them as they try to make the biggest decision of their lives.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08I just realised how special the people
0:09:08 > 0:09:12in my life are and how much they mean to me.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22The Coles are finally making their trip Down Under.
0:09:24 > 0:09:30The journey from Shipley to Auckland is over 12,000 miles across three continents.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34None of them have ever been this far before but even
0:09:34 > 0:09:38after a gruelling 30-hour journey, Sharon is still raring to go.
0:09:38 > 0:09:45I'm looking forward to seeing how people work here and how it compares to what we do at home.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47I'm excited to see everything.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52I'm not sure the boys are quite as enthused as Sharon.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55I'm tired, hungry.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Looking forward to sleeping.
0:09:57 > 0:10:03No time for rest yet. The Coles are straight off to check out their accommodation for the week.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09They'll be staying in the pretty Bush area of Titirangi in west Auckland.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12The house is an open-plan three-bedroom home
0:10:12 > 0:10:17with plenty of space for the family to roam around.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21But first, Sharon's got to get the car in.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Woah. What are you doing?
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Is this how you come in?
0:10:28 > 0:10:31This will be great(!)
0:10:34 > 0:10:40She finally makes it and is still smiling as she's off to check out the garden.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Oh, my goodness, just look at that view, Oliver.
0:10:42 > 0:10:47I just can't believe it's got this in the back garden.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- This is amazing.- Let's hope the inside is just as good.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54Oh, I love this room.
0:10:54 > 0:10:55Just look at the view.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59I mean, this is just amazing. Wherever you look, you see the sea.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04I would just be in heaven living here. I love it.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10This room... This room has a guitar in it.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Have you seen this room?
0:11:12 > 0:11:14All the rooms are so light!
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Woah! Have you seen the bath?
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Oh, my goodness, that's tiny.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23That's not a bath, that's a shower.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26And Oliver has sorted out his mum's sleeping arrangements.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30Your mattress is ready.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- Alex has spotted something else to whet his appetite.- A hot tub.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39This is luxury, isn't it? I think this is now my favourite room.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44So, after the excitement of the house, how is Sharon feeling?
0:11:44 > 0:11:50When you're actually here, it all seems possible and you think, "Fantastic, I just want to be here."
0:11:50 > 0:11:54But will nerves about the week ahead get the better of her?
0:11:54 > 0:11:58I often get scared about things but I think if I'm scared, I still have to do it.
0:11:58 > 0:12:04Make things happen. That's the way I live my life. But at the same time, I think, "What am I doing?
0:12:04 > 0:12:06"What am I letting myself in for?"
0:12:06 > 0:12:10It looks like Sharon's up for the challenges ahead.
0:12:10 > 0:12:16But after the initial excitement of arriving, how are the boys really feeling?
0:12:16 > 0:12:21I prefer being in Britain just based on what I've seen so far, really.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24It's more in my comfort zone.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28I know where everything is, it's just easier.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31I can imagine coming here on holiday,
0:12:31 > 0:12:36and spending a few days here but I couldn't imagine living here yet.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40If I went to New Zealand, as well as getting a job and everything,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44I'd have to learn the lifestyle they have. It would be overwhelming
0:12:44 > 0:12:47to go through all of that.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50The boys seem to have formed a strong first impression.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55Does this mean Sharon has her work cut out to convince them about a possible move?
0:12:59 > 0:13:05Back in the UK, the Coles live in a three-bed semi-detached house in Shipley.
0:13:05 > 0:13:11It's just big enough for the three of them and ideally, they'd like a bigger third bedroom for Alex.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15Their home is situated on the Yorkshire Moors which Sharon loves,
0:13:15 > 0:13:19but she's ready for a change of scenery.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21In New Zealand, they'd be looking for a three-bedroomed house full
0:13:21 > 0:13:24of character set in the countryside but near to amenities.
0:13:24 > 0:13:31Sharon wants to be mortgage-free, and she has a budget of £185,000.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35So, can they afford it all? Or will they need to stretch their budget?
0:13:35 > 0:13:40Property one is a three-bedroomed detached house in Titirangi village.
0:13:40 > 0:13:46On the market for £173,000, it's easily within Sharon's budget.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51But will the inside be to their tastes?
0:13:51 > 0:13:56It's been decorated by its owners with a definite retro style.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00Before they get inside, Sharon's already putting
0:14:00 > 0:14:04estate agent Cheryl through her paces about the exterior cladding.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08Now, as you can see, the exterior is made of weatherboard.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10What's weatherboard? Is that made of wood?
0:14:10 > 0:14:12It's wood, weatherboard is wood. So, it's weatherproof?
0:14:12 > 0:14:16It is weatherproof. A typical material for build in Kiwi.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18So, does it need repainting every year?
0:14:18 > 0:14:25- Every year, or every couple of years, it will need a coat of paint.- Is it like a garden shed?
0:14:25 > 0:14:28It's a lot more hard-wearing than your garden shed!
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Finally, we're in.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33What will Sharon think of the decor?
0:14:33 > 0:14:36After all, she said she wanted character.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39It's got the old Fifties style furniture, as well.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44It has. It's really in keeping with the era of the property.
0:14:44 > 0:14:45Is that an open fire?
0:14:45 > 0:14:51It's a wood burner which is very typical, again, of Kiwi properties.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- That would be nice if it was cleaned up.- You've also got polished timber floors as well.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59I like the floors and I like the fireplace.
0:14:59 > 0:15:05Obviously, the decor isn't my taste at all. But I can see that it suits the house.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09I don't think the wooden floorboards are going to sell it.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13Let's see if the bedrooms are more to Sharon's taste.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18So, this is one of the large double bedrooms.
0:15:18 > 0:15:24As you can see, you look straight through the window, you have the bush.
0:15:24 > 0:15:30There's not anything from 2010 in here, is there?
0:15:30 > 0:15:32It is just out of date, really, isn't it?
0:15:32 > 0:15:37There is not much room for a wardrobe in here, if you had a double bed.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42There's room at this end as well for a wardrobe, if you want to put a wardrobe in.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46That might be a bit of a stretch for Sharon.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48What about Alex's bedroom?
0:15:48 > 0:15:51It's got a wardrobe but is there enough room for a bed?
0:15:51 > 0:15:56You could get a single bed, possibly a double bed in here.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58I don't think you could get a double in.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03- If you had a double bed in here, you would have to take that out. - Yes, you would.- Yes.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Still, it's bigger than Alexander's current room.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Alex doesn't seem too impressed.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13I think it is time to see what the outside has to offer.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17This is nice, I like the open aspects.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Good to see them is something that Sharon likes and perhaps Oliver
0:16:21 > 0:16:25will be taken by the outdoor sleeping arrangements, too.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- Do you want to try out the hammock, then?- Yes.- Don't fall out.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- Get in carefully. - I'll just get in, Mum.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Shall I help you? No?
0:16:33 > 0:16:35There you go. Are you in?
0:16:35 > 0:16:39How do you think that would be? Yeah?
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Yeah, I'll get back to you.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46They hardly seemed bowled over by property one, but until Sharon sits down
0:16:46 > 0:16:51and does her sums, she might not be able to afford to be so picky.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53For now, let's see what their verdict is.
0:16:53 > 0:16:59I think the inside is quirky and interesting, even though it is not furnished in my style.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Could you see yourself living here?
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- Not really.- I would still have a small room if we moved here.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12Everything is a bit, just small.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16That seems to be an all-round no, then. But Alex has a final thought.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21You could probably think of living here if you insulated that a bit more and just made that my room.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- Your bedroom?- Yeah, and just put my bed and all my stuff.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27We could turn it into a granny flat.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30No, not a granny flat, I mean a studio.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33No, all right. A teenager's pad.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- How would that be? - It's not a granny flat.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40Actually, it is not much smaller than the house, is it, really?
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Let's hope property two not only brings them into the 21st century,
0:17:43 > 0:17:48but can give that that larger bedroom for Alex.
0:17:48 > 0:17:54It's off to Laingholm, 15 minutes' drive away, to a three-bedroomed house on a good sized plot of land.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59It's currently on the market for £190,000.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Welcome to 22 Weston Road.
0:18:02 > 0:18:03Thank you.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09This is bigger.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13It feels more spacious. Do they have a dishwasher?
0:18:13 > 0:18:14No, there's no dishwashers.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Well, you've got two. Over there.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21They're standing close to the dishwasher.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Well, the boys didn't seem too impressed by that idea
0:18:24 > 0:18:29and Sharon's noticed that property two is low-lying and set in a valley with a stream running through it.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32She has a few questions for the estate agent Edwina.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Is there any flooding in this area?
0:18:34 > 0:18:38We have actually got flooding down the bottom of Sandy's Parade.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40There does appear to be quite a bit of flooding.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43So, would this house be at risk?
0:18:43 > 0:18:46I'd say, with the stream down here, you'd need to be mindful of that.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49That doesn't sound like good news at all.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54It's straight out onto the balcony to see where the potential flooding might be.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57As I said before, there's a stream that runs down here.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01All the rain that we've had, you can see it has certainly
0:19:01 > 0:19:04risen so that is something you need to be careful about.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09I must say, the risk of flooding is a bit of a concern.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12But I mean it's absolutely beautiful.
0:19:12 > 0:19:19The garden is well watered but will the rest of the property be enough to convince Sharon and the boys?
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- So, this is one of the bedrooms? - It is, this is the main room.
0:19:23 > 0:19:29- It has its own en-suite. - Well, a good start on the bedrooms. But will they all be as big?
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Let's have a look in here.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- This is used as a study now?- It is.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- How many bedrooms does the property have?- It's three bedrooms.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- Does this include this one? - Mm, it does.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- It is slightly on the tinier side. - Yeah.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Another cupboard for poor Alex - or maybe he could have Oliver's room.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- Oh, this is a better size. - It certainly is.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53It's a pity we can't get three bedrooms with two...
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- The other two bedrooms this size. - This size.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00I'm not sure it's everything they're looking for.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03What do they make of it?
0:20:03 > 0:20:05I really like the setting. I think it is gorgeous.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08I like the size of the house.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Even though the third bedroom is small,
0:20:11 > 0:20:13it has a much more spacious feel.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17But if there was any kind of flooding risk, I wouldn't buy it.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19Oliver doesn't seem so bothered,
0:20:19 > 0:20:23and he's got more important things on his mind.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27I don't think it would be a big deal because the other house would probably get it before us,
0:20:27 > 0:20:28so we'd have some warning.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30SHE CHUCKLES
0:20:30 > 0:20:34I like the house. It's a lot more spaced out. Make a great party house, wouldn't it?
0:20:34 > 0:20:38Well, a hit with Oliver, then. But Alex might need some more convincing,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41and he's got a concern about the decor.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45It would have to change a lot before I liked it.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Just all that blue...
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- It's just a bit... - HE CHUCKLES
0:20:50 > 0:20:52..blue, yeah.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58The risk of flooding and another small bedroom for Alex means this house isn't a winner,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01but we've got something up our sleeve that might just fit the bill.
0:21:01 > 0:21:06Property three is higher up and nearer to Titirangi village.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08It's a three-bedroom upside-down house,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12where the bedrooms are downstairs and the living space upstairs.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16It's slightly over budget at £217,000,
0:21:16 > 0:21:20but with a negotiable price, it might be worth it.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24They meet up with estate agent Glen and it's straight upstairs to the living room.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28And Sharon sees something she likes straightaway.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31It's a beautiful view. This is about as noisy as Laingholm ever gets.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33This must be a nice spot to sit.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- Yeah, that's a gin and tonic corner. - Yeah.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40Sharon's got a great view, but the big question hangs on Alex's bedroom.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44Will it be big enough for a bed and Alex?
0:21:44 > 0:21:45Which wall is six feet long?
0:21:45 > 0:21:48So, a single bed would go down this way.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52It would fit there, would it? How wide is it from here to the end?
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Without a tape measure, I couldn't tell you.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- Would it be long enough to fit a single bed?- No, Mum, it'd probably fit just there.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- I would think it would go that way. - That's what I think - that's the longest wall.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06I'd be happy with that room. It's just brilliant.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12That's fantastic news.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Alex doesn't mind having the box room.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Let's see if the other rooms can suit Sharon's close inspection,
0:22:17 > 0:22:20and unusually, they're downstairs.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22This bed - how would this work for you?
0:22:22 > 0:22:25It's OK but I'd prefer my windows lower down.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- Would you?- Yeah.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- I think, cos I like... - For the light, or...?
0:22:29 > 0:22:32No, just because if you're actually sitting on the bed,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36you can see above you but you can't see at eye level.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- Yes.- It's OK as a second bedroom. - Mm.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43Let's hope the master bedroom can bring a smile to Sharon's face.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Oh, now, this is better.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47- Now, this is good.- Yeah.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51You see, I can see outside now, which is what I was meaning.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- That's lovely.- So, a good-sized master, loads of wardrobe space.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58We might actually have a winner here,
0:22:58 > 0:23:02but Oliver doesn't quite know what to make of the upside-down aspect.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04I just don't know what to say.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07I'm baffled, cos I've never seen a house like this before.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09So, I don't know what to say.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13Well, Sharon likes the views and Alex loved the small room,
0:23:13 > 0:23:16so does this mean we're in business?
0:23:16 > 0:23:20It's time to see what they really think of property three.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23It's just, like...so...good.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25It's just...brilliant.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- You were quite excited when we walked up the drive.- Yeah.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31He wanted to buy it before we'd even come inside. Didn't you?
0:23:31 > 0:23:35You said, "It's awesome. Buy it, Mum, and I'll come to New Zealand now."
0:23:35 > 0:23:36SHE CHUCKLES
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Which is... Which is encouraging,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41because if we find the house that's right for all of us, you know...
0:23:41 > 0:23:45Oliver and Alex clearly have different tastes,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48but they both seem to have found their ideal home,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51although I'm not quite sure Sharon's been convinced.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53So, time to vote on property.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56I like the fact that all the houses in New Zealand are individual,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59and that they're all in lovely settings.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03I'm worried about the fact that they're not as solidly made as English houses.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07Comparing them to British homes, British homes have smaller spaces.
0:24:07 > 0:24:12In New Zealand, they're all different and they all have fantastic views.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14I'm going to pick...
0:24:14 > 0:24:15New Zealand.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17New Zealand.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I'm going to vote, right now, with...
0:24:21 > 0:24:23..the UK.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27This is potentially really bad news.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31Sharon's the driving force behind making the move to New Zealand
0:24:31 > 0:24:35and she's already got misgivings about how life here would be.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38Let's hope this isn't the shape of things to come.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46There's a lot at stake to making the move to New Zealand.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Not only would Sharon be taking the boys away from their father,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52she'd also be moving away from all that she's ever known.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55So, after the disappointment of Kiwi property,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58it's really important that she feels confident
0:24:58 > 0:25:02that New Zealand CAN offer them all a better lifestyle.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05They've come to the Hibiscus Coast to spend some time as a family.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08They're going to experience an outdoor thermal spa,
0:25:08 > 0:25:12something they wouldn't be able to do back in Shipley.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19Straightaway, the boys are putting their mum to the test -
0:25:19 > 0:25:22whether she'd really be willing to take the plunge Down Under.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25I feel like I'm going to the gallows!
0:25:25 > 0:25:26BOYS CHUCKLE
0:25:26 > 0:25:28No, you're not pushing me!
0:25:28 > 0:25:29You're not pushing me.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31We're here to give you our support.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37I can do without a challenge like this.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41Come on, Sharon! If you're not able to attempt a water slide,
0:25:41 > 0:25:43can you really be ready to make the move Down Under?
0:25:43 > 0:25:48- Alex is a real gentleman, and kindly shows Sharon that it's not that scary.- Oh, my Lord.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53But I'm not sure she's entirely convinced.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57It's called Bob's Mistake for a reason.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01It means that you find out too late that you shouldn't have done it. Oh, my God.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Oh, my Lord.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07HE CHUCKLES It's not funny!
0:26:07 > 0:26:08It isn't funny, Oliver!
0:26:08 > 0:26:10SHE SQUEALS
0:26:15 > 0:26:16HE CHUCKLES
0:26:16 > 0:26:17Great!
0:26:20 > 0:26:22She's a good sport...
0:26:22 > 0:26:25but she's not exactly doing it of her own will.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31Go on, then, Oliver. Show your mum how it's really done.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Water slides are not my favourite thing.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37They scare me to death, but I'm glad I've done it.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39I feel proud of myself.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43It's all about new challenges, New Zealand.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Can we go on some more now?
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Perhaps I could just go for a swim now!
0:26:47 > 0:26:49SHE CHUCKLES
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Sharon's proven she can do it.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Now, it's time for something a little more relaxing.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58But the boys are still looking for action,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00and they've found the Black Hole.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10I don't think Sharon would have enjoyed that one.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14It's been a fun afternoon and Sharon was able to relax, too.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16So, what did the boys enjoy?
0:27:16 > 0:27:20- Watching my mum scream. - Yeah, pushing her down the slides!
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Coming away with them is great,
0:27:22 > 0:27:26cos I think it helps us to get closer because we do things together and they have fun.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31I like to see them giggling and laughing and making them happy,
0:27:31 > 0:27:36which is why I put myself through these torturous water slides.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40The lifestyle here is just completely different to England.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43People's way of looking at life is different.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47Everybody's...
0:27:47 > 0:27:48enjoying just living.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52And I want to have that as well.
0:27:52 > 0:27:57But Oliver knows that there's more to this trip than just fun for his mum.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01She needs a new start, she needs a new beginning, she needs a new life.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04She wants... She wants, you know, a new family life.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08Er, my parents have split up and...
0:28:08 > 0:28:12after that, everything she knew or wanted just kind of split.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16She's just got me and Alex and the family's a bit more separated than it was.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20I don't think she could stand living that far away from us.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25When my dad left, she hasn't got a partner to be with, so she's trying to hold on to us even more.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27She's trying to hold on to the people closest to her,
0:28:27 > 0:28:30because she thinks she'll lose them in some way.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32It's difficult.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37I do feel I need to move on emotionally, yeah.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42And maybe that is one of the reasons that maybe it would be great for me,
0:28:42 > 0:28:44because when I'm somewhere like this,
0:28:44 > 0:28:47I feel I actually don't think about the past.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50I just... I'm experiencing everything for the first time,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53and it makes you feel really alive.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57When I was younger and not in love with anyone, this is how I used to feel.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59I used to live for now, you know,
0:28:59 > 0:29:01and I want that feeling back again.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05It's really tough for Sharon to decide whether to move Down Under,
0:29:05 > 0:29:09but time spent with her boys in New Zealand fills her with optimism.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13So, how will they vote on lifestyle?
0:29:13 > 0:29:16There's lots of fresh air, people are outdoors and smiling.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18I think we're all agreed...
0:29:19 > 0:29:20New Zealand.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- New Zealand.- New Zealand.
0:29:27 > 0:29:33At home in Yorkshire, Sharon works three days a week in a hospice.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37She earns £13,000 as a palliative-care social worker,
0:29:37 > 0:29:41and provides patients and their families with emotional and practical support.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44I'm just ringing to see how things are going.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48'In palliative care, I think I've found my niche.'
0:29:48 > 0:29:50I love it. I love the job. I love...
0:29:50 > 0:29:53I think I do it well and that gives me a lot of satisfaction.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55If I couldn't find a similar job,
0:29:55 > 0:29:59that would probably be a reason not to go, for me,
0:29:59 > 0:30:02because if I was doing a different job, I think I'd be going backwards,
0:30:02 > 0:30:07whereas right now, I think I'm in the right place, in terms of career.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13Work has kept Sharon going since her break-up with Richard,
0:30:13 > 0:30:17and although she loves it, she needs a change.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22I may not have moved away from Yorkshire but I have travelled extensively,
0:30:22 > 0:30:28and every time I go away, I feel fully alive in a way that I don't when I'm at home.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31At home, everything's much the same and it carries on.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34You know, every day is the same as the one before,
0:30:34 > 0:30:38and although there are things that I do that I love to do,
0:30:38 > 0:30:41like going to literature festivals and travelling and visiting people,
0:30:41 > 0:30:43the day-to-day is the same.
0:30:43 > 0:30:44Nothing changes.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46I'm just getting older.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48But when I go away, I'm just me,
0:30:48 > 0:30:51and I just feel like, er...
0:30:51 > 0:30:53that life is more full of possibilities.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57For Sharon to really make that break
0:30:57 > 0:31:03and start a new life for herself and her boys, she'll need a good job.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05She's off to the Mercy Hospice in Auckland.
0:31:05 > 0:31:10There are only 250 palliative-care social workers in the UK.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12In New Zealand, there are potentially fewer.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15So, it might not be easy to find a job.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18Meeting the head of the Family Support Team, Tim Hurley,
0:31:18 > 0:31:23and social worker Marie, is going to be crucial for Sharon.
0:31:23 > 0:31:24And she's straight down to business.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29For me, I want to find out whether you think
0:31:29 > 0:31:34- there might be possibilities about getting a post as a social worker here.- Yes.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Social work in hospices is quite new here in New Zealand.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41And my colleague who's been with the hospice here five years,
0:31:41 > 0:31:46she was one of the first social workers to be involved, er, employed by a hospice.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48But now, it's really a growth area
0:31:48 > 0:31:51and I am the second social worker in this hospice,
0:31:51 > 0:31:55and hospices all through Auckland and the rest of the country are getting social workers.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- That sounds like really good news. - Yes, it is.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00So, it is a real growth industry,
0:32:00 > 0:32:04in terms of people seeing what contribution social workers can make.
0:32:04 > 0:32:10Well, it seems there could be quite a lot on offer in terms of work in Sharon's field.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12How much would they earn?
0:32:12 > 0:32:15It's roundabout 55,000,
0:32:15 > 0:32:19er, and that perhaps might vary a little,
0:32:19 > 0:32:21depending on the organisation.
0:32:21 > 0:32:26The district health boards may pay a little more than what hospices pay.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28- That's fair enough. - How does that compare to the UK?
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- It sounds very similar.- OK.- Yeah.
0:32:31 > 0:32:36Well, that's great news. Sharon can feel more assured about work.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44Meanwhile, Oliver is spending the day with Auckland's coastguards.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47He's being put to the test.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Oliver is just starting out in the world of work,
0:32:49 > 0:32:53and is desperate to join the emergency services.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57Auckland is home to New Zealand's largest port.
0:32:57 > 0:33:03The coastguards there are one of the busiest, most exciting emergency service units in the country.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08They have 18 full-time employees and 1,000 volunteers working for them.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12And on a busy day, they can have up to 42 call-outs.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15Oliver wouldn't be able to do this in Shipley,
0:33:15 > 0:33:19so if he is looking for an adventurous career, this could be right up his street.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22First, he's got to learn his left from his right.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Starboard, port, bow, stern.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- Starboard, port.- Starboard.
0:33:27 > 0:33:28- Starboard.- Starboard, yeah.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- Port.- Port.
0:33:30 > 0:33:31- Bow.- Bow.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- Stern.- Stern. I'm going to get that mixed up, I know.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36So, has Oliver got that?
0:33:36 > 0:33:39It's time for his life-saving skills to be put to the test.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41Man overboard.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Don't take your eyes off him.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45He's behind the boat.
0:33:45 > 0:33:46Starboard side!
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Just in front of the boat, further to the right side.
0:33:54 > 0:33:55There you go.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57Give him a cuddle, make sure he's all right.
0:33:59 > 0:34:00That was fun.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03Sounds really dramatic if that was a real human being.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06Just zooming past them, you know,
0:34:06 > 0:34:10but, er, yeah, it looked like a good job to do, really, I think.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13There's a lot of action involved, really.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17Maybe Oliver's found something to convince him to make the move Down Under.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21But there's one more test - it's his turn at the helm.
0:34:21 > 0:34:22See you, buddy.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29One o'clock. Coming right up on you.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- Straighten up.- I want to get it on the right side, though, don't I?
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Starboard side. That's this side.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38He's got the buoy in sight, but he needs to be careful.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40- Oh, I'm about to run him over. - Where's it gone?
0:34:40 > 0:34:42I think you killed him.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44Oh, here it is.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Well done. We didn't have to call the helicopter after all.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51So, what do our experts make of Oliver's first day at sea?
0:34:51 > 0:34:55- For his first attempt, it was pretty good, actually. - You've never driven a boat?
0:34:55 > 0:34:57- No.- That's pretty good, yeah.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00That was fun. Can we do that again?
0:35:01 > 0:35:06Back across town, Sharon's tour around the hospice is going well.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08This is our chapel. Come in and have a look.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13And there seem to be plenty of similarities between work in New Zealand and work in the UK.
0:35:13 > 0:35:14It is a nice space, and, er,
0:35:14 > 0:35:18often, people just wander in here and just have a bit of quiet time.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20We've had a couple of weddings here.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23- Yeah, we've had them in our chapel. - Yes, yeah. Come on...
0:35:23 > 0:35:27'Meeting Sharon, I think she's got a lovely warm personality.'
0:35:27 > 0:35:30I think she would fit in well to the kind of people who work here.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34'And I think that she could provide some experience and some leadership'
0:35:34 > 0:35:38in areas we've thought perhaps we'd like to do but are not yet doing.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40So, I think she'd be a great asset
0:35:40 > 0:35:43to any hospice environment where she works, yeah.
0:35:43 > 0:35:44I'll just show you in here.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47This is one of our, er, small family rooms,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50- where people just come and sit or spend time.- Oh, this is nice.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52'This hospice could be anywhere.'
0:35:52 > 0:35:56It's the people that make the work enjoyable, as much as the job itself.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59And they seem to be the same all round the world.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03It was really interesting to talk to Tim and Marie,
0:36:03 > 0:36:07and to find out that they do so many things the same way we do in England,
0:36:07 > 0:36:11and that, you know, their approach to their work is the same,
0:36:11 > 0:36:13their holistic philosophy's the same,
0:36:13 > 0:36:18and what's really encouraging is that they're looking for social workers in the Auckland area.
0:36:19 > 0:36:24Coastguard radio, coastguard radio, this is Eddie Marr, double six, double six,
0:36:24 > 0:36:26Trillian Rescue, alpha. Copy.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30It's been a successful day for Sharon.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34And as the coastguards return to base, Oliver wants to know more.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38Is it just work experience you start off to get into this sort of thing?
0:36:38 > 0:36:42No matter what unit you go to, if you just sign up and want to be a volunteer,
0:36:42 > 0:36:46we pretty much put you through as much training as we possibly can,
0:36:46 > 0:36:49which gets you right through from a newbie,
0:36:49 > 0:36:51right to our operational crew.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53So, Oliver seems inspired,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56but it's time for Sharon to make her vote on work.
0:36:56 > 0:37:01This is a really difficult one for me because I work with a lovely bunch of people in the UK.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04Er, I love them to bits and it would be a wrench to leave them,
0:37:04 > 0:37:10but today I felt energised and excited, so I'm going to vote for...
0:37:11 > 0:37:14..New Zealand.
0:37:17 > 0:37:24Moving to New Zealand involves massive financial, as well as emotional, decisions.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27The Coles need to take into account the cost of living in Auckland,
0:37:27 > 0:37:31as well as what they'd make on their UK home.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34The Coles' house is a three-bedroom property,
0:37:34 > 0:37:38which Sharon bought with husband Richard when the boys were little.
0:37:38 > 0:37:43She now owns it outright and hopes it's worth £185,000.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46We sent in two estate agents to give her their valuations.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59Fairly typical sort of size, for a semi-detached of this era.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01Nice fireplace.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07Really nice room, very light, got some of the original stained glass.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11Some people might feel that they would like to make it more contemporary,
0:38:11 > 0:38:13even knock through to the kitchen.
0:38:17 > 0:38:18'Right.'
0:38:18 > 0:38:23The size of the kitchen, obviously, doesn't really fit with modern living.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26Some people would choose to knock through, now,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29and make that really nice - one big dining kitchen.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31So, let's see what's out here.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34Oh, gosh, the porch is a mess.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37We have what was originally a sun room.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41However, it is being used at the moment as a general storage space.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43So, I would have to say that,
0:38:43 > 0:38:46in order to really sell this as a feature,
0:38:46 > 0:38:47it would need to be emptied.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52Ah, this is a small room.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56This will put off some potential buyers. Yeah, bit of a stumbling block here, really.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58It could be an office, though.
0:39:00 > 0:39:01Mm, a complete mismatch.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04A boy's room with a girl's wallpaper.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06- What?- I'm sure I remember this paper.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10I think we had some of this in our house in Bradford in the early '80s.
0:39:10 > 0:39:11No, it wasn't.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15It was 1991 when I first put that paper in the old house.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19This is a better room - nice size.
0:39:19 > 0:39:24Nice views out of the window. I think that certainly is a nice feature.
0:39:26 > 0:39:31It's nice to see that they have re-done the bathroom.
0:39:31 > 0:39:37And it's got all the right features. Bath, good-sized shower cubicle with a rain head, fully tiled.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40Yes, very nice. This is a good selling feature.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42I'm glad she likes the bathroom - I chose that.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45You've got a house here which is really going to appeal to families.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49So, families will look at it, decide, perhaps, to change it rather.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53The property does require some decorative improvement in places,
0:39:53 > 0:39:56and also, the third bedroom is very, very small.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58I think that might put off some buyers.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03If the vendor wants a quick sale, I'd say you're probably more likely
0:40:03 > 0:40:07to have to put it on at 160, 165, and probably have to come down
0:40:07 > 0:40:14from that too because people are expecting you to allow for the work that needs doing to modernise it.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17For a quick sale, I would suggest £160,000.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21At that level, I do feel there will be a good level of interest.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23It's dropped a lot then.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25I thought it was worth more than that.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30I expected that it would probably be about 185 at least.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32But I don't understand what needs modernising.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36I've done the bathroom, the kitchen, I've put in a fireplace in the living room,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38I've done loads to it, really.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42So I'm really surprised that she thinks it needs work.
0:40:42 > 0:40:48Well, Sharon wasn't too pleased with that but she can still be mortgage free.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51It will depend whether they can afford to live off her salary.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55So, we've prepared a comparison of Sharon's UK and New Zealand expenses
0:40:55 > 0:40:57to see if she can afford a life Down Under.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59Oh, my goodness!
0:40:59 > 0:41:05At first glance, this is really worrying - to see that my food bill would double.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Let me see. Goodness me, organic chicken,
0:41:08 > 0:41:13£12.35 in New Zealand and only £7.32 in England.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17The organic steak is twice as expensive in New Zealand.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20Apples are about £1 a week more.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24Carrots, twice as much, almost.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27This is a massive difference.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29I'm just staggered.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31Not a great start.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33How will other expenses fair?
0:41:33 > 0:41:40New Zealand. This is good news - gas and electric is about half the price it is in England, which is great.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42And council tax is less.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Petrol is a lot cheaper.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47So, maybe, actually, it might balance out.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50But there are some hidden costs.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54Adults pay up to £25 per GP visit.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58Right. And Alexander will cost £19 a visit.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02We'll just have to stay healthy, and keep eating the organic food,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05and we won't need to go to the GP!
0:42:05 > 0:42:11Gym membership would cost me £64 a month instead of £45.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15I'd be able to walk a lot more here, wouldn't I?
0:42:15 > 0:42:22I just have to do my exercise outside and swim in my friends' pools instead of in the gym.
0:42:22 > 0:42:28Sharon would earn a higher salary in New Zealand but would it be enough to make the move affordable?
0:42:28 > 0:42:32Without the gym membership, it's going to cost me an extra £54 a month.
0:42:32 > 0:42:37So I suppose you've got to offset one against the other, really,
0:42:37 > 0:42:39and work out what you're willing to compromise on.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42For me, I wouldn't compromise on my food.
0:42:42 > 0:42:47Maybe I could work a couple of extra hours a month to make that difference up.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50£54 a month isn't too big a difference, really.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54So, how will Sharon vote on the cost of living?
0:42:54 > 0:42:58Taking into account that food is far more expensive here,
0:42:58 > 0:43:03which is a big shock, but gas and electric is cheaper
0:43:03 > 0:43:05and I won't need to go to the gym,
0:43:05 > 0:43:07I will vote for...
0:43:07 > 0:43:09New Zealand.
0:43:15 > 0:43:19Back in the UK, Sharon's friends are a huge part of her life.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22And since the separation from Richard,
0:43:22 > 0:43:28they've played an even bigger role, supporting her emotionally through some tough times.
0:43:28 > 0:43:34Thinking about making the move Down Under and leaving them behind won't be an easy decision.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37So, we've arranged for Sharon to meet up with local social group
0:43:37 > 0:43:40in the Auckland suburb of Devonport.
0:43:41 > 0:43:43- Hello, Sharon, I'm Liz.- Hi, Liz.
0:43:43 > 0:43:51- And this is Andre, Heather, Kerry, Bob, Paul, Gwyneth. - Hello. Hi, everyone.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55Without a partner by your side, it can be daunting meeting a group of new people.
0:43:55 > 0:44:01But Sharon's made a connection with Gwyneth, and it even turns out that she's visited Sharon's home town.
0:44:01 > 0:44:05- I did a big tour over there. - Where did you go?
0:44:05 > 0:44:07Yorkshire, Bradford.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09Oh, Bradford! I live in Bradford!
0:44:09 > 0:44:11It's a small world.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14I loved it there. I loved the countryside.
0:44:14 > 0:44:19- If you ever come to England, you can stay with me.- Well, I'd love to. - Right, what are we going to have?
0:44:19 > 0:44:22Well, I wonder what the fish of the day will be?
0:44:22 > 0:44:25Would you like to go and find out, Kerry?
0:44:25 > 0:44:27- Ah, yeah.- I've nominated him!
0:44:32 > 0:44:35Across town, the boys are happily chilling out.
0:44:35 > 0:44:40They seem pleased that Mum is making new friends, but they're not sure what to make of everything.
0:44:40 > 0:44:44Yeah, Mum's making friends, yeah, that's a good sign.
0:44:44 > 0:44:49Erm, obviously, she's got to have good relationships here, to get to know people.
0:44:49 > 0:44:51It's a big part of life.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54It's the main part of life, really.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57When she gets back, she'll have all these things that she'll knows
0:44:57 > 0:45:01she's leaving behind because that's kind of gone from her mind this week.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03All she's done is she's got baffled by what's here,
0:45:03 > 0:45:08and completely forgotten about what the consequences of coming here are going to be.
0:45:08 > 0:45:14I don't like, really, being taken out of my comfort zone because
0:45:14 > 0:45:17I know everything in England and I know where everything is.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20Now I'm here and I've spent almost a week here,
0:45:20 > 0:45:23it's a lot more than I expected.
0:45:23 > 0:45:25I'm not...
0:45:25 > 0:45:29completely either at the moment.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32If she wants to move on, she wants to drag us with her.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35So, it's...
0:45:35 > 0:45:38it's got to be our decision as well if she's got to move.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42Erm, so that's going to make things twice as hard as well.
0:45:42 > 0:45:46The boys really aren't convinced, and unless Sharon can feel
0:45:46 > 0:45:51they'll be happy to make the move, will she really be able to do it?
0:45:52 > 0:45:56But for now, Sharon is enjoying time with her new friends
0:45:56 > 0:46:01and is even opening up to them about her feelings on making the move.
0:46:01 > 0:46:06Sometimes it's a really scary idea, the thought of travelling such a long way from home.
0:46:06 > 0:46:10And the only way to find out is actually to come here and to get to know people.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12And I think people are the same wherever you are.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16- If you've got good friends, that feels like home, doesn't it? - That's exactly it.
0:46:16 > 0:46:20Most of our parents did the same journey as you're talking about.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23- So, people feel an affinity with England, don't they?- Yes.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26And that makes you feel it would be a place where you felt comfortable.
0:46:26 > 0:46:27Everyone's here.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30- Whanau.- What does that mean?
0:46:30 > 0:46:32Whanau is Maori for family.
0:46:32 > 0:46:34- The Mouldy?- Maori!
0:46:34 > 0:46:37- Mouldy?- Indigenous. - Maori!
0:46:37 > 0:46:39Oh, the Maori! You call them Mouldy?!
0:46:39 > 0:46:42- You gotta speak the lingo! - Why do you call them Mouldy?
0:46:42 > 0:46:44Mao-ri!
0:46:44 > 0:46:46Oh, the Maori!
0:46:46 > 0:46:49That's the correct pronunciation.
0:46:49 > 0:46:54It's wonderful. It opens up your world when you meet new people.
0:46:54 > 0:46:58And I think it's good if you can find even one person that you can get along with
0:46:58 > 0:47:05because you realise that wherever you are, there are people that you can meet and become friends with.
0:47:05 > 0:47:10And that makes all the difference because wherever your friends are is where home is, for me.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12But how will Sharon vote?
0:47:12 > 0:47:16Friends are really important to me. I have wonderful friends in England.
0:47:16 > 0:47:18But friends are friends wherever you are
0:47:18 > 0:47:23and the people here are lovely, so I'm going to vote for...
0:47:23 > 0:47:25New Zealand.
0:47:29 > 0:47:33The Coles have really embraced their week in Auckland.
0:47:33 > 0:47:38But how will they respond to hearing messages from friends and family?
0:47:41 > 0:47:43- ALL: Hi, Sharon.- Hello, Sharon.
0:47:43 > 0:47:46- ALL: Hi, Alex.- Hi, Alex.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49She's very kind, she's very caring.
0:47:49 > 0:47:52She's a fabulous mother, and she's a great friend.
0:47:52 > 0:47:58I can't speak more highly of her because she's coped with everything.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01She really has. The things that she's been through in her life.
0:48:01 > 0:48:03She's unbelievable, really.
0:48:03 > 0:48:07It's untrue. I just love her to bits.
0:48:08 > 0:48:14She's constantly cheerful and lifts the mood if you're feeling down.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17That's really important in our line of work.
0:48:17 > 0:48:21Alex is probably the craziest guy I've ever met. And the awesomest.
0:48:21 > 0:48:25He's really nice, and he's kind, and he's funny.
0:48:25 > 0:48:26A great friend.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29Epic, to use one of his words.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31Aw!
0:48:31 > 0:48:35I suppose it's somebody being there. It's Sharon's loyalty for me.
0:48:35 > 0:48:41I would miss, I don't know, the buzz from physically being in the same room as Sharon.
0:48:41 > 0:48:45Yeah, it will be very hard to adjust, it'll be hard to not have her here.
0:48:45 > 0:48:49And the fact that she's going so far away is going to be odd.
0:48:49 > 0:48:53She's a really, really good pal. I'll miss her desperately.
0:48:54 > 0:49:00I would really miss him. It wouldn't be the same without him.
0:49:00 > 0:49:05We'd have one less friend and all our other friends would be really upset as well.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09Um, I would not want her to go, I'll be honest.
0:49:09 > 0:49:10But that's purely being selfish.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14I like things to stay as they are and I'd like Sharon to stay here, to be honest.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16The time's probably right for her.
0:49:16 > 0:49:20She's had quite a lot of sadness in her life, these past few years.
0:49:20 > 0:49:26And I think she's now perhaps getting to a point where she can turn her life around.
0:49:26 > 0:49:29She's a real go-getting girl.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32If there's something that she chooses to do, she will go ahead and do it.
0:49:32 > 0:49:38I think she's had things in her life and I think she deserves
0:49:38 > 0:49:42this chance for her and her boys, if it's the right thing for her.
0:49:42 > 0:49:44We're all missing you here.
0:49:44 > 0:49:47- It's not the same without you. - Please come back soon.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51I do hope that you're having a good time. I always want you to have a good time.
0:49:51 > 0:49:55But I am being selfish and I want you to come back to me.
0:49:55 > 0:49:59I hope it's an adventure for you but one you'd like to return from.
0:50:03 > 0:50:07Just know that I love you and I'm going to miss you. Bye, Sharon.
0:50:07 > 0:50:11Whatever you want to do, darling, we'll back you up.
0:50:11 > 0:50:16You don't have to feel you're on your own if you get stuck or anything. We're always here.
0:50:16 > 0:50:20Er, but I can't imagine that you ever would need any help because
0:50:20 > 0:50:24you're so competent, and you just get on with life,
0:50:24 > 0:50:28and everything will work out fine for you.
0:50:28 > 0:50:32I'll miss you if you do. Bye.
0:50:34 > 0:50:36Oh, dear.
0:50:42 > 0:50:46I just realised how special the people in my life are...
0:50:47 > 0:50:50..and how much they mean to me.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52And it's, it's...
0:50:52 > 0:50:55wonderful to hear that they think the same about me.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58I'm thinking that...
0:50:58 > 0:51:01I want to be in two places!
0:51:01 > 0:51:06I want to be here for the boys, I think it would be really good for them.
0:51:09 > 0:51:14I just hope that if we do come here, that I can afford to go back as much as possible,
0:51:14 > 0:51:18and keep those relationships going
0:51:18 > 0:51:20because the bonds are really strong now.
0:51:20 > 0:51:22And, you know...
0:51:24 > 0:51:28..it's relationships that matter to me more than anything.
0:51:28 > 0:51:34The thought of taking the boys away from their father continues to haunt Sharon.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36I can't be everything to them.
0:51:36 > 0:51:41I want to be, I'd love to be but they need a father as well as a mother.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44I've always believed that both parents are equally important
0:51:44 > 0:51:49and especially for boys, I'd think, "Have I taken away something really important in their lives?"
0:51:49 > 0:51:52So, it's such a big decision.
0:51:52 > 0:51:55But I know that if we do it, we've got to do it in the next two years
0:51:55 > 0:52:00because otherwise, they'll be doing things over in the UK,
0:52:00 > 0:52:04and it won't be possible for us all to get a visa and come here.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07So, it's a real dilemma, it really is.
0:52:07 > 0:52:11Alex's doubts have been rekindled after seeing his friends.
0:52:11 > 0:52:15Like, watching that, I don't really want to go as much.
0:52:15 > 0:52:21Like, I'd rather just stay in England because of all my friends and everything.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24But yet, this week, you've really loved it.
0:52:24 > 0:52:28I know but I don't really want to leave England.
0:52:30 > 0:52:31Yeah.
0:52:31 > 0:52:34What about you, Oliver?
0:52:34 > 0:52:36I'd be fine coming here.
0:52:36 > 0:52:40I think you can see a lot of positives for you, can't you?
0:52:40 > 0:52:44Yeah. Missing Dad probably wouldn't bother me too much.
0:52:44 > 0:52:49Cos he's left me at too early an age for me to really care, so...
0:52:51 > 0:52:53But he still cares about you.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55Yeah.
0:52:59 > 0:53:05Leaving friends and family behind is always going to be the hardest part,
0:53:05 > 0:53:12and Oliver's reaction about his dad doesn't come as a surprise to Sharon, but it cuts the deepest.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16When Oliver's dad left, when he was 11, Oliver was traumatised,
0:53:16 > 0:53:21Oliver was really distressed for a long, long time.
0:53:21 > 0:53:27And I think Oliver really tried everything he could to persuade his father to come back
0:53:27 > 0:53:32and to be there for him, and he felt he wasn't. So...
0:53:37 > 0:53:39Erm...
0:53:39 > 0:53:43He feels like his dad's not there for him, so...
0:53:43 > 0:53:50he's not really... He wants to give this strong, tough exterior
0:53:50 > 0:53:53that says he doesn't care, but I know deep down he does.
0:53:53 > 0:53:58And he's looking... He's looking for what he's lost.
0:53:58 > 0:54:02That's why he thinks if he comes here and makes some good friends,
0:54:02 > 0:54:05maybe he'll find what he's missing from his dad.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08And do you think that? What do you think?
0:54:08 > 0:54:11I think maybe he would.
0:54:11 > 0:54:16It's also a question of what Sharon feels she needs at this stage in her life, too.
0:54:16 > 0:54:20It's almost like I'm stuck in the past.
0:54:20 > 0:54:25The house is the same house that I've always lived in throughout my married life,
0:54:25 > 0:54:29so it's full of memories, sad memories, really, more than happy ones.
0:54:29 > 0:54:34And it's taken me a long time to come to terms with what happened.
0:54:34 > 0:54:38He was the love of my life and for a long time, I hoped he would come back.
0:54:38 > 0:54:42As time has gone on, I've realised that's not going to happen.
0:54:42 > 0:54:45I feel braver and stronger.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48I've changed in the last few years and now,
0:54:48 > 0:54:52I think I've reached a stage where I have to look to the future
0:54:52 > 0:54:55and think, maybe this is what's right for all of us now.
0:54:55 > 0:54:59For Alex, though, he feels he has more to leave behind
0:54:59 > 0:55:03and it's almost impossible for Sharon to know what's best for them all.
0:55:03 > 0:55:07It would be really hard if one wants to go and one wants to stay.
0:55:07 > 0:55:13And I don't think they're quite ready to be independent. That will be a really tough one.
0:55:17 > 0:55:21It's the end of their week-long experiment in New Zealand.
0:55:21 > 0:55:26It's been full of new experiences and they've had the opportunity to
0:55:26 > 0:55:29spend quality time together as a family.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34Sharon's had the chance to discover
0:55:34 > 0:55:37that New Zealand could provide her with a new beginning.
0:55:39 > 0:55:42It's time for the final vote.
0:55:42 > 0:55:46Will Oliver and Alex give the answer Sharon is hoping for?
0:55:48 > 0:55:50New Zealand.
0:55:51 > 0:55:53New Zealand.
0:55:55 > 0:55:57England.
0:56:02 > 0:56:06I know two of us have voted for New Zealand and Alexander, you voted for the UK,
0:56:06 > 0:56:10but we're going to go home and talk about it some more,
0:56:10 > 0:56:13look at what courses are here for Alexander when he goes to university
0:56:13 > 0:56:16and I think when that time comes, it will be right for us all.
0:56:21 > 0:56:22A split decision.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25The Coles have had a great time in Auckland
0:56:25 > 0:56:27and love what the country has to offer
0:56:27 > 0:56:31in terms of lifestyle and job prospects.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34Perhaps Alex will change his mind.
0:56:49 > 0:56:51Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:56:51 > 0:56:52E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk