Barker Family Wanted Down Under

What would you do if you passionately believed

there was a better life waiting for you on the other side of

the world, but the person you love the most didn't share your dream?

Would you follow your head or your heart?

Richelle Barker is passionate

about moving to the other side of the world.

I absolutely fell in love with New Zealand

through geography in school.

And she's desperate for her mum to join her.

We're less like mother and daughter and more like best friends.

But for mum Lorraine, that means facing an unbearable choice.

I can't see me being in New Zealand, thinking,

"My God, I've left my mum."

So when their trial week's over,

will mother and daughter face the future together or apart?

Whatever's going to happen,

someone's potentially going to lose their mum.

Roughly the same size as Great Britain or Japan, New Zealand

boasts almost 9,500 miles of coastline and sandy beaches.

With most parts of the country

enjoying over 2,000 hours of sunshine each summer,

it's not difficult to see why, for almost 40 years, it's been

one of the top ten destinations for UK residents choosing to emigrate.

Richelle has one week to convince mum Lorraine

to uproot her entire life and start afresh down under.

When it's over, they'll face a decision

that could change their lives for ever -

whether to stay in the UK or to take the plunge and moved to New Zealand.

The Barkers' journey begins by flying 12,000 miles with

stops in four different time zones.

So, after a marathon 30 hours of travelling, how are they feeling?

It was very long, very sweaty, with weird food,

but the sun is shining and - whoop, whoop - can't wait.

Despite the long flight, the ladies seem to be in good form.

It still hasn't hit home. We were on the plane, saying,

"We're going to New Zealand." It just doesn't feel real.

Yeah, this is my dream to come here

and to actually get that, it's just...

It hasn't sunk in and I don't think it will for quite a while yet.

But, with just one week to persuade her mum life would

be better in New Zealand, Richelle will need to find her bearings fast.

Back in the UK, classroom assistant Lorraine

and 18-year-old daughter Richelle live in this three-bedroom

bungalow in Kinmel Bay, North Wales and, as relationships between

mothers and daughters go, they don't come much stronger than this one.

'We are extremely close.'

We're less like mother and daughter and more like best friends,

really, and she is my rock, my best friend, my confidant, you know,

my everything.

They spend almost all their spare time together.

We go to these Country and Western festivals and we dress up

with our Stetsons and boots and we do a bit of line dancing.

We go for walks together. We have our nails done.

She's even talking lately about me going round the clubs in Rhyl.

At 50, that is not an option.

But the relationship is being put to the test, with Richelle trying

desperately to convince her mum to follow her dream

and move to New Zealand, even though neither have ever been.

Everything Richelle seems to do, it's all with New Zealand in mind.

'I absolutely fell in love with New Zealand through

'geography in school, where we

'saw these amazing mountains with the snow.

'The backdrops are fantastic.'

They've got nice holiday destinations with beaches,

just like we have here. Only they have the summer for it.

Lorraine emigrated to Australia in her 20s,

returning to the UK before Richelle was born.

Now, older and wiser, she doesn't know

if she's got the strength to do it all over again.

At 50, I can see pitfalls and I can see problems arising,

financial difficulties. Will I be getting a job?

'Will I be able to settle? Will I be able to make friends?'

And I'm really quite concerned if I'm doing the right thing or not.

A legacy from Lorraine's time down under is Australian passports

for her and Richelle, meaning they won't need visas for New Zealand.

That should make a move straightforward.

But if Lorraine was to leave Wales, she'd also have to leave her mum.

My mum has always been there to help, both me and my daughter.

She's always lived just down the road away from us.

Always phone each other every day.

I can't see me being in New Zealand, thinking,

"My God, I've left my mum."

Richelle's original idea was for her nan to go with them but health

issues mean it's extremely unlikely she'll be able to make the move.

Richelle's all too aware of the emotional turmoil her mum faces.

This is part of my dilemma.

If we go out to New Zealand and my mum is not happy or not settled,

that would break my heart to see my best friend unhappy.

Richelle's dream of a new life down under means Lorraine will

have to choose between her mum and her daughter.

It seems that whatever's going to happen, someone's potentially

going to lose their mum, whether it's me with you, or you with your mum.

It's a dilemma all round.

For their first-ever trip to New Zealand, Richelle and Lorraine

are visiting the Greater Auckland region in the North Island.

It's the most populated city in the country

but, surrounded by hundreds of small suburbs,

it promises plenty of opportunity for an outdoor lifestyle.

Home for the week is a two-bedroom cottage in Coatesville,

a small community about 18 miles north-west of the city.

With Richelle keen on a rural home down under,

this spot could be perfect.

LORRAINE GASPS

-Oh, my God.

-Wow.

-That is fantastic.

No, Mum, it's the little cottage on the left, I think.

I don't care if it's that garage. It's fabulous.

She's not out of the car yet, but I think Lorraine is impressed.

-Died and gone to heaven.

-Is it just this part or is it...? Oh, no.

I think it's just this part.

Their two-bedroom rental cottage is attached to the owner's home

and forms part of a traditional Kiwi lifestyle plot,

so it should be right up their street.

OK, so this is the kitchen.

So, it's really small.

I wouldn't mind washing up though. No dishwasher. Just that amazing view.

I'll keep you up for that.

Nothing's going to dent Richelle's enthusiasm.

I love these big, quirky rooms and the campfire. Absolutely amazing.

-Have to learn how to work that.

-Lovely.

There's different, funny, funky room shapes, isn't there?

-Yeah, definitely.

-Not square boxes.

-Have you seen the view?

-Oh.

That is what I am talking about. Beautiful.

These lifestyle blocks are absolutely amazing.

Richelle's mission to sell the New Zealand lifestyle to her mum

has well and truly begun.

Sold. Have squatters got rights over here?

THEY CHUCKLE

It's amicable now,

but the coming week will put this relationship through the wringer

if Lorraine can't be convinced of a future in New Zealand.

I'll just have to suck it and see, find out some more first.

-But first day, first feeling...

-Impression.

-First impression -

it's absolutely beautiful.

Home for the Barkers in the UK is a three-bedroom detached

bungalow in Kinmel Bay, North Wales.

But if Richelle can convince her mum to move, what sort of

house would they be looking for in New Zealand?

My dream house would be a wooden, weatherboard house,

three bedrooms, big private plot of land,

half an hour to an hour away from civilisation.

I do like wooden houses and I don't like square boxes,

so anything that's quirky or a little bit different.

-Yeah, so, some of it is quite similar, isn't it?

-Yeah.

There's one thing we agree on, anyway. Just location.

Got this idea of having chickens and sheep.

I'd be happy with just a dog.

The Barkers' property budget for New Zealand is £200,000.

To show them what their money might buy,

we've selected three properties.

One on-budget, one their ideal home, and one in between.

After seeing each, they'll find out what they cost.

First stop is the farming region of Kaukapakapa.

45 minutes from the centre of Auckland,

it's a popular area for people wanting to combine city working

with rural living, so it should appeal to Richelle.

This four-bedroom property has plenty of room inside.

And with 2.4 acres outside, it could also give Richelle

the space she needs for those sheep and chickens.

-Wow, what do you think of this?

-It's a view, isn't it?

They've got a little tree swing as well. It's quite cool.

-Nice approach.

-Yeah, it's really nice. It's a nice deck.

I hope they've got one on the other side as well

-cos that's where the view is.

-Oh, it is lovely.

-Very nice.

So far, so good. But what about the inside?

It does need a lot of TLC, I think.

But they've got the space to do it with.

But would they have the inclination?

I don't know. Let's...

That's nice. Wow. A brand-new cooker.

-It's not a bad size.

-It's really nice.

-It would have to be...

-Modernised.

-Mm.

But depending on the price, I mean, things could be done with it.

I'm not sure Lorraine is entirely convinced.

Safe to say we won't be buying the furniture.

Richelle needs to find something to please her mum - and quick.

-This is bedroom number one. Decent size, isn't it?

-It is.

I suppose the bed is big so it's taking up some room.

They've got cowboy hats, Mum. Ready for us to move in.

Nice try but not sure it's going to be enough.

-There's a lot of money to be spent here.

-There is.

-It's old electric.

And it's...everything from carpets to curtains.

Skirting boards, ceilings. Interior doors as well.

And that noise all day with the lorries passing.

-Yes.

-You're right on a busy road.

-It's a highway.

-It's a highway.

-They're doing 100km.

-Yeah.

-Well, we'll see.

They are underwhelmed by the interior of this house, and with

the busy road running parallel, outside could be a problem, too.

I'm just not feeling it here. With that road, I think...

We're not used to it, aren't we? It's just...

I know it's not very frequent, those cars,

but it's just there and you can't change that.

It's not quite the rural retreat the ladies first thought,

but Richelle isn't giving up just yet.

So, what would you want to put on here? 2.3 acres.

Just sheep and chickens. Cos this is what we wanted. Well, what I wanted.

-Yeah, I don't know about "we" there, but...

-Yeah, this is...

-This is ticking boxes from the outside.

-Uh-huh.

Just not sure about the house.

This house has the land Richelle wants

but will it be within their reach financially?

Well, our budget is £200,000. I'm going to say 160.

Because of the work that needs to be done on the house.

-Do you want to turn over the card?

-Hmm!

-OK, here we go.

-SHE HUMS A FANFARE

Wow.

So, that was quite a lot more than what we expected.

-It must be the area.

-It's the lifestyle block.

It's the lifestyle block. That's what you're paying for, I suppose -

that land.

-I thought our budget would be quite enough to buy a better house.

-Oops.

The real cost of lifestyle living

is threatening to derail Richelle's dream.

Will the next house lift her spirits?

It's a well presented three-bedroom house

in the small township of Parakai.

It's further away from the city centre

so should offer more value for money.

Well, it's very suburban.

Squashed in with thousands of others.

It's not ticking any of my checklist.

OK, it isn't quite the lifestyle block Richelle is looking for,

but could the inside win her over?

-Let's have a look inside.

-House number two.

Oh, wow. That's...amazing.

-It's a bit more...

-Compared to the other house.

-It's open plan, isn't it?

-Yeah, I love open plan.

-Oh, wow. It's a nice kitchen.

-Yeah. Nice workable kitchen, isn't it?

So much more positive than the last place.

-There's not much to do at all here.

-I know.

-I love the way it flows outside.

-Yeah, that is nice.

-Nice and clean as well, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-There's nothing to do, really.

But is there outdoor space for Richelle's livestock plans?

It's a really nice garden. It's a really low-maintenance garden.

-A nice bit of decking.

-But there's no way for chickens, or for sheep.

You can't have everything.

And a lack of space for animals isn't the only problem.

I can see about 50... 50 houses in one glance.

I know it's quiet now but you've got kids on the weekend.

So, outside isn't perfect. Perhaps it's time to go back indoors.

-Oh, so this comes into the lounge?

-Very nice.

-It's big enough. I mean...

Yeah, there's only two of us. It's fine.

-Oh, this is a nice size.

-Oh, wow. Yeah, this is lovely.

Nothing to do here - new electrics, new carpets.

Right. So, it's a main bathroom. And it's got...

a washing machine in.

OK.

I don't think I could fit in that bath.

-That's not a bath, that's a shower.

-For your feet.

-It's... It's usable.

-Usable. If you're the Hobbit, it's usable.

The bath's too small, the neighbours too close,

but can they actually afford it on their £200,000 budget?

How much do you think it is worth?

House-wise, it's a good...good place.

But squashed and with all that, overlooking, no privacy -

I think £200,000.

-Am I being realistic?

-I don't know.

I said 160 on the last place when it was 283.

Shall we see how much it's worth?

-A-ha!

-OK, so it's under budget by £5,000.

So, it's £195,000,

-NZ355,000...

-Good guess.

..so it's less than our budget

but we'll still have to get a mortgage for it.

There is nothing to do,

so you wouldn't be spending any more money

if it's only your own mark on it,

but you're still coming down an alleyway, you're still overlooked.

Well...

I don't think I can afford my dream.

That's quite a frightening aspect of it.

Today certainly isn't going to plan. And, with Richelle now questioning

whether they can afford the dream home in New Zealand,

any chance of persuading Lorraine to make the move could be irrelevant.

Can property number three offer them both the right price and location?

This four-bedroom house is in Helensville,

within easy commuting distance to central Auckland

and, with plenty of social clubs and activities nearby, it could

give the Barkers the community feel they're yearning for.

-It's a real cottagey look to it, isn't it?

-It's got the veranda.

And it's got a chicken.

That's got to be a good sign!

Oh, look, Mum, it's got a campfire.

It's an old pot belly thing. That's a nice feature, mind, isn't it?

-It can be lovely and warm in the winter.

-It's a really nice room.

It's a nice open plan. It flows into the dining room, which is quite nice.

Oh, that's a nice sized kitchen.

It needs a bit of TLC, but I think it's...

Yeah, it's the size we're looking for and that's

really ample for the two of us.

It's looking promising so far.

-First house with stairs.

-It's really strange. There are nice.

Lovely spindles.

-We haven't lived in a house with stairs for years.

-I know.

-Oh, wow.

-It's quite a big sized room.

-Wow, it's huge, yeah.

-Oh, it's nice.

-Nice and...breezy and cool.

-It's lovely.

It's got a really nice view as well.

Inside seems to have won Richelle and Lorraine over

but will the garden offer more privacy than the last property?

Nice.

Considering, houses, you can see houses at the back

and at the sides, you're not looking in somebody else's window.

You feel like you're private. Secluded, really.

This house seems to work for them, inside and out.

Your own little oasis. It's lovely.

But will it be priced to please?

It's got to be over £200,000. But how much by?

I'm going to put my neck out, not knowing the area or prices -

235. £235,000.

-Right, OK.

-But I could be well off the mark.

I'm going to say it's bang on our budget at £200,000.

Right, do you want to go for it?

-Oh.

-Halfway between the two of us.

-It was, yeah.

-£217,000.

-Which is NZ395,000.

That's nearly £20,000 over the Barkers' budget.

But if Richelle and Lorraine can secure well-paid jobs,

it might not be out of reach.

-So, it's round about what I was thinking...

-Yeah.

-..but...yeah.

-So, it's quite a nice house, isn't it? Nice area.

-Yeah.

It is. It is nice. You can't really say much different.

The house prices are so much more expensive than I imagined.

It's been a bad start to Richelle's week as the real cost of

the kind of property she wants has been revealed.

Property one offered the lifestyle block she's been dreaming of

but at a price they weren't prepared to pay.

The second house was more affordable but was too overlooked.

And the final house was almost perfect

but just beyond their budget.

So, based on what they've seen today,

will the Barkers vote for a property in the UK or New Zealand?

We've had a real eye-opener today looking at the three different houses

around New Zealand and, based on what we've seen today, we vote for...

-..UK.

-I'm very undecided.

And I'm surprised that you have picked the UK.

It's been a really surprising day. It's just been super disappointing.

I just thought we could get

so much more for our money than what we've been shown today.

Richelle's dreamt of a new life in New Zealand for almost ten years

but the true cost of property could put the move on ice

if she can't find the right job with the right salary.

Back in the UK, Richelle earns around £10,000 a year

as a full-time accounts assistant, while studying for her final exams.

I'm not on much at the moment,

as I'm just on an accounts assistant wage,

but if we do go, we will need a mortgage,

we will need finance on the cars,

so the right salary to cover those bases would be fantastic,

would be needed.

As a classroom assistant for young people with learning difficulties,

Lorraine earns a similar wage.

She loves her job, but is willing to be flexible in New Zealand.

I know beggars can't be choosers, and at 50 I'm not sure

I'm going to have a lot of options, but I would like to think

that I would gain a similar position.

As part of their fact-finding week down under,

we've arranged for Richelle and Lorraine

to explore the local job market.

Lorraine has come to the Wilson School

for children with special needs in Takapuna

and hopes Principal Jan Kennington can put some of her worries to rest.

I am 50, and I'm just a little bit concerned.

Is that too old to be applying for posts for a teacher's aide?

Age isn't a barrier, in my view.

I think that would be the case in most special schools in New Zealand.

What we are looking for are people who are passionate

about our students and are fit and able and ready and willing

to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in.

A large number of our students

have got a significant physical disability,

so we need people who are able to help with hoisting them,

moving them, positioning them

and taking care of all of their physical needs.

So it's really more a question of what you're prepared to do,

-rather than what you are qualified to do.

-I see.

That's exactly what Lorraine needs to hear,

and if she's happy, it could take some of the pressure off Richelle.

Yesterday was very disappointing, so today...

Everything is riding on today, really.

Richelle will be graduating as an account technician soon

and hopes her qualifications will be transferable to New Zealand.

To find out, she's meeting Martin Richardson,

Director at a local accountancy firm.

Once our graduates have finished university, there's still

another three or four year training programme

-to get into the New Zealand Institute.

-Right.

So there's a Foundations programme that takes the first year,

then there's another two or three years,

so you get work experience and you get on-the-job training.

So if I were to emigrate, I would have to do the extra three,

-four years?

-Yes.

-To be recognised?

-Yes, I would think so.

That would mean more studying for Richelle,

but it isn't putting her off.

So are there many job opportunities for someone like me

-emigrating out to New Zealand?

-I think so.

It obviously depends on your CV and how good you are, but currently

we're employing for next year's grad intake,

so all the accounting firms in Auckland will do

a grad recruitment around this period.

The bigger firms will take up to 50 or 60,

so there could be 300 or 400 grad jobs going.

Sounds like Richelle could have more job opportunities

here than in the UK.

What kind of salary would I expect with my age? I am only 18.

Well, currently we're offering 44,000 for the graduates

that we're taking on next year,

and after the three years in getting experience you'd move through

to a senior, and the starting rate

for seniors is about 65,000 currently.

About two years later you can get to manager, which is about 80,000,

and then basically, the sky is the limit after that, really.

-Wow, that is brilliant.

-That's great news.

If Richelle was earning around £24,500,

it would be more than double what she makes at home.

This could put her dream back on track,

if Lorraine's happy with the possibilities in her line of work.

Are there jobs available?

And where would I go to find out where they are?

There certainly are jobs available in special schools,

but also supporting students in mainstream schools.

Most of the advertising happens through the local newspapers.

Good news again, but will Lorraine fare as well on the financial front?

Middle of the range teacher aides

would be earning about 16.50 an hour.

Because you're only working 25 hours a week over 44 weeks,

that would work out somewhere between NZ18,500-NZ19,000.

That equates to just over £10,000,

slightly more than Lorraine gets at home.

Has the day addressed some of her concerns?

I am just so happy that this segment of my big question...

Being 50 is something I can't change,

so it has to be either they accept me as I am or it's a no-goer,

and today, it was so positive, I don't see a barrier any more.

After a disappointing start to their week,

work opportunities have proved much more positive.

But are Lorraine and Richelle a step closer

to making a new life together in New Zealand?

We've had a really interesting day today in Auckland

looking at all the job possibilities and,

based on what we found out today, we're going to vote for...

-New Zealand.

-New Zealand.

-Really?

-Oh, yeah.

-Wow!

-It's been awesome.

It's been really interesting and I've been blown away by what

-I've found out.

-Fantastic. Auckland's winning you over, then?

New Zealand, no surprise.

It's just amazing, I was blown away by how much support is given,

the salary, and the chance to progress within the career and grow.

That's exactly the path I'd love to take.

Exploring work options proved to be a really positive experience

for both Richelle and Lorraine,

but Richelle knows there's a long way to go yet

if she's to persuade her mum to move halfway around the world.

Could a day experiencing the New Zealand lifestyle help?

The country's landscape makes it perfect

for a wealth of outdoor activities.

In the UK, Richelle loves off-road driving,

so the day gets underway with a four-wheel-drive experience,

offering her the chance to combine her hobby

with her love of the great outdoors.

I feel so excited to actually

be on a four-wheel-drive tour in New Zealand.

It's going to be so good.

-LORRAINE:

-Oooh!

Not sure Lorraine is quite as excited!

LORRAINE SQUEALS

It certainly beats rush hour in Kinmel Bay.

Can you see where we're going?

Go on, Richelle, put your foot down!

If they move to New Zealand,

this is something Richelle could enjoy on a regular basis.

Oh, my God, that was so cool! That was really, really steep!

I just love four-wheel driving.

But if her dream is to avoid biting the dust, she needs to remember

today's about selling the lifestyle to her mum, too.

Oh, my God, what an experience!

I don't think it would be quite for me because I would be so frightened,

I can't even see a track for a vehicle.

To go for it on a track that doesn't look like a track...

Phew! It just blows your mind.

Blows your mind.

The jury's still out.

Perhaps a chance to do as the locals do,

and explore the scenery from the seat of a saddle,

will be more to Lorraine's taste.

I think it was last year when we went out on bikes last.

So cold. It takes the joy out of it then, doesn't it?

If you've got a place like this, with this view and these houses...

-Oh, yeah, beautiful.

-Absolutely fabulous.

Sounds like this could be more Lorraine's pace,

and Richelle's happy, too.

I want to be more active,

and when you've got the weather and the scenery, you can't beat it.

New Zealand could definitely offer Richelle more action,

but she knows her mum still faces a difficult decision.

If she wants to stay at home with Nan,

obviously that's her decision, but I've got to go where my heart is,

and my heart's definitely in New Zealand.

That's a real turning point for Richelle,

who until now couldn't see a future in New Zealand without her mum.

But if Lorraine decides to stay put in the UK,

it might be her only option.

I can see a fabulous lifestyle here.

But...

would I be happy knowing my mum is alone and lonely in the UK?

And me as her only surviving daughter,

11,000 miles away, having a good time? Whoop-whoop!

I don't think that would sit well with me,

I don't think that's right at all.

No matter what Lorraine decides,

she's going to have to say goodbye to someone she loves.

If Richelle decided to move to New Zealand without me,

I would feel lost, but it is only natural progress.

I know I would feel lost, cos, since the age of three,

it's only been her and I.

If it has to be, it has to be. She's her own person.

Tough decisions lie ahead but, based on what they've done today,

has Lorraine seen enough to want more

of the lifestyle New Zealand could offer?

We've explored so much of what New Zealand's got to offer

lifestyle-wise and, based on our experiences today, we vote for...

-New Zealand!

-New Zealand.

-Really?!

-Yeah.

-It really is winning you over!

It is, I've got to say. It's been an awesome day

and it's just unbelievable what opportunities there are.

And today has just... It just opens your eyes to possibilities,

and I'm really impressed.

-Really good, I'm really glad.

-Whoop-whoop!

Lorraine seems to be coming round, but could mother and daughter

actually afford the lifestyle Richelle wants?

They believe their house back in the UK is worth £150,000,

so we sent round two estate agents to find out for sure.

God, it doesn't seem like our place, does it?

Yes, very nice lounge-dining room, nicely decorated.

I can smell... It smells like they might have had a dog

and I'm afraid that odours are really a no-no,

so I would suggest that they got some air fresheners in.

-THEY LAUGH

-Cheeky devil!

-I know, right?

The kitchen's a nice size with fitted units

and plenty of room for appliances.

And there's also a nice, modern gas central heating system.

Here we are now in the master bedroom.

It's a double bedroom with fitted wardrobes,

which are nicely presentable.

A good-sized space for a double bed, so a good room as a master bedroom.

This bedroom's particularly appealing,

nice position overlooking the lovely garden.

Still has some nice modern features, wall features,

nice and bright and neutral colours, easier for somebody moving in.

You could put any colour in there, couldn't you, really?

Modern bathroom, very pleased to see.

It's a white suite, which is very typical today.

Yes, very nice room.

Horrible tiles.

A three-bed, three-bedroom, detached property in this location

in today's market, we would hope to achieve in the region of 140-145.

For a quick sale, I would suggest putting it on the market at 139,950.

-No chance.

-No!

For this particular bungalow, in this particular location,

I would advise an achieve sale price of £140,000,

and for a quick sale I would recommend no more than 135.

That's £10,000 less than they were hoping for.

It used to be quite an expensive area, didn't it? But...

It's a sign of the times, I think.

It's not a great start.

But can number-cruncher Richelle makes the figures work

when comparing potential living costs in New Zealand to the UK?

First up is a comparison of their weekly food bill.

Milk, four pints.

NZ, the difference is £1.75.

-For milk.

-Wow.

-For four pints.

-So it's cheaper in the UK.

-Mm-hmm.

Richelle will need to think quick

if she's going to keep Lorraine onside.

Chicken is cheaper, and rice is cheaper in New Zealand, as well.

But are they cheap enough to make a difference to the food bill?

That's 47.99 in the UK...

and 73.84 in New Zealand,

so that is £25.85 difference.

And this is a weekly shop,

so you're looking at £100 a month difference.

-Yeah.

-Roughly.

-£100. It's quite a big...

-It is quite a lot.

Even basing their calculations on the cheapest property they saw,

it's suddenly looking like an expensive move.

But will Richelle's pay increase be enough to pull them out of a hole?

But we haven't taken into account the combined income,

which is £637 per month,

so that leaves us...

We're £415.55 better off in New Zealand.

-A month?

-A month.

-For real?

-For real.

-Oh, my God, that sounds really good.

-It is pretty good.

-Let me write that down, how much are we better off?

-£415.55.

Well recovered, Richelle. That's a great result.

So, now they're in the money,

how are Richelle and Lorraine going to vote?

Today we did a comparison check on the cost of living in New Zealand

and, based on what we found today, we're going to vote for...

-New Zealand.

-New Zealand.

-Really?

-Yes.

-Wow!

This is looking really good.

I was quite surprised. With a mortgage,

as well as the other factors involved in cost of living,

I thought it was quite favourable.

-Yeah.

-I was really surprised.

Over £400 better off to live in New Zealand a month.

Yeah, I was quite surprised. So for that reason I voted for New Zealand.

It's another good result for Richelle, but Lorraine's always

been concerned that starting again in a new country may not be as easy

for her as it will be for her 18-year-old daughter.

They're both keen country music fans at home,

so we've arranged a trip to the local line dancing club

to give them a taste of the social scene New Zealand could offer.

Is it a good way of making friends, joining this kind of club?

Absolutely.

I mean, that wasn't my prime reason for doing it, it was exercise

and I liked the music, but, yes, I've made great friends.

And then we're socialising outside line dancing, as well.

There are quite a few groups around, so some of these ladies go to

several different classes during the week,

they might go three or four times, so you get different groups

of friends and then you get to know other ones and different groups.

-That's brilliant.

-It's awesome.

It's small steps, but Richelle's dream of having her mum by her side

in New Zealand could be getting closer.

It looks like they're getting into the groove.

COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYS

She's certainly enjoying the music,

but has this evening given Lorraine the answer she's looking for?

It's a really good way of making friends,

and it could be just that little thing extra that entices me

to think, "Wow, I could go for it," you know?

Just on something like this.

BOTH: Yee-hah!

It's been a positive week for Richelle,

as, one by one, here mum's concerns

about a life in New Zealand have vanished.

But with Lorraine still worried about leaving her own mum,

the biggest hurdle is still to come, as the pair sits down

to messages from their loved ones back in the UK.

Hello, Lorraine, hello, Ric.

I hope you're finding what you're looking for, my love,

and the weather's kind to you.

Hiya, Lorraine, hiya, Richelle.

I hope you've had a fab time,

I hope it's been what you expect it to be

and I hope you haven't enjoyed it too much.

Hi, Ricky, I hope everything's going all right.

I know you'll be enjoying it already,

and I just hope you're having fun, mainly.

Hello, Lorraine, hello, Richelle, I hope your week has gone

really well, I hope the weather's been really good.

They're the loveliest two people I've ever met in my life.

You have to go a long way to meet anybody like that.

I know I'm their mother, and you shouldn't talk like that,

but I'm telling the truth.

Smashing two people, inside and out.

Lovely. I love them to bits.

-Don't tell them!

-SHE LAUGHS

Ricky is a fun, bubbly, crazy,

generally nice, happy person,

and I'm glad I met her.

It'd be a fantastic opportunity for her.

Part of me doesn't want her to go,

even though I don't see her very often,

and then I think, well, it would be a nice holiday to New Zealand,

as well, if she does, maybe once every few years,

to catch up with her.

If they move.... See, I'm starting already, sorry.

Oh, I'll miss her terrible.

I know she's there when I need her, do you know what I mean?

And I think sometimes a friend

hasn't got to be living on the doorstep.

They can be just somebody you know is there for you, you know?

Oh, I'll miss them with all my heart, but...

it's life, I accept that.

I'm not a one to sit and cry.

As long as they're together and look after each other,

and they're happy, that's the main.

That's what I do think.

No, I don't want Richelle to go, I'd rather she stayed...

..with all her friends.

Ric, Lorraine, you've been out there for a week,

you should know what it's like, you should go with your instincts

and go and have a ball.

As long as you find happiness, your old mum is happy.

One of these days I'll knock on your door -

Ric, get that cup of Oxo on.

I'll be out there to see you.

All the very best, love, I'll miss you both, bye.

That was a bit more emotional than I thought it was going to be.

And, listening to my mum, she didn't seem

very positive there about...

She seemed like waving us off, that's how I felt, that she was...

It's the final sort of, "I won't hold you back, but adios."

So it didn't seem any input from her that she would

contemplate coming with us.

Watching messages from loved ones is incredibly emotional,

and for Lorraine it's brought home

the heartbreaking dilemma she now faces -

having to choose between her mum and her daughter.

Richelle's been dreaming of a life in New Zealand for almost 10 years,

even though she'd never been.

It was my dream to come out and it hasn't hindered my dream in any way

coming out, in fact it's escalated it, which is brilliant.

It's just an amazing country.

-It's very similar to Wales, mind.

-Yeah, it's beautiful.

But Richelle's biggest challenge was always going to be convincing

mum Lorraine to start a new life on the other side of the world.

It's been quite a turbulent journey for me, emotionally,

and from the beginning,

when Richelle started to say about New Zealand,

I was a bit torn inwardly,

because, obviously, I'd never been to New Zealand,

and I'd never been 50 before, so that was a new adventure, as well.

The week's assured Lorraine she's young enough to start again,

but Richelle knows she's still torn over leaving her mum back in the UK.

My nan is quite a frail lady, she's 82 now,

and I think my mum would stay with her.

Could this be the end of the road

for Richelle and Lorraine's life together?

This is my dream and there's no going back for me.

I've had an incredible journey with Richelle, seeing her grow up

and tutoring and mentoring her, and I really want to carry on that.

Even if it's from a distance when she's got her own family,

I really want to carry on doing that.

With her hopes still pinned on New Zealand,

Richelle's future with her mum is uncertain.

It all comes down to this moment.

Will Lorraine's final decision delight or devastate her daughter?

We have both had a really adventurous week out in New Zealand

and, based on all our findings, we vote for...

New Zealand.

UK.

Nah, only joking! New Zealand!

-Really?!

-Yes, really!

I've got a feeling I don't even want to go on that plane to go home.

I know! How weird is that? I just feel that this is it.

-My heart sank so much then!

-I had you.

-I really don't want to get on that plane to go home.

-Wow.

-I am so glad. Really?

-Yeah.

I'd say give us 18 months and we'll be there.

-I really feel that strong about it.

-That's amazing.

-I want to die here.

Not particularly this week...

THEY LAUGH

Not this week, not for a long time, but I just feel like this is it.

I want to restart here, I want to retire, and that's it.

Wow! Oh, my gosh!

That's amazing! So, 18 months?

18 months, let's do it, let's get out here.

-That sounds awesome. Get the house up for sale.

-Whoop-whoop!

-Argh!

-Whoop-whoop!

When it came to the final decision,

Lorraine just wasn't ready to let her daughter fly the nest,

and Richelle got the result she'd been desperately hoping for.

Thanks to her nan's blessing, Richelle could be packing

for a life in New Zealand sooner than she thought with her mum.

We wish them the happiest of times.