0:00:02 > 0:00:04You may genuinely believe a better life could be
0:00:04 > 0:00:08waiting for you on the other side of the world.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Yet actually going ahead with the move
0:00:10 > 0:00:12means a massive leap of faith.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16Will the land of your dreams actually live up to expectations?
0:00:16 > 0:00:19One family are about find out.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23After moving 11,000 miles to be with the woman he loves,
0:00:23 > 0:00:26Kiwi, Courtenay believes a return home to New Zealand
0:00:26 > 0:00:28could be best for his family.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30I've always wanted, or felt a need,
0:00:30 > 0:00:33that I should look at the option of going back to New Zealand.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Wife Helen is ready to give it a shot.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38I have the responsibility to explore
0:00:38 > 0:00:40going out and living in New Zealand.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42But when a week in the country reveals
0:00:42 > 0:00:44life wouldn't always be rosy...
0:00:44 > 0:00:48We would actually not even be able to afford to live.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50..it's Courtenay who's left questioning his dream.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53A devil and an angel, one on each shoulder
0:00:53 > 0:00:56and they're both having a little argument there.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28With three quarters of its residents living within
0:01:28 > 0:01:30walking distance of a beach,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33it's little wonder almost 9,000 UK residents
0:01:33 > 0:01:35make the move to New Zealand each year.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38But despite the temperate climate and stunning scenery,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42the country isn't the land of milk and honey for everyone,
0:01:42 > 0:01:47and almost half of those who make the move return home.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49Courtenay Suckling believes life could be
0:01:49 > 0:01:53so much better for his family in his native country of New Zealand.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Now, he has one week to prove it
0:01:56 > 0:02:00and persuade his wife to make a move right around the globe.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03At the end of the week, the family will face a decision
0:02:03 > 0:02:06which will change the course of their lives forever -
0:02:06 > 0:02:10whether to stay in the UK or start a new life down under.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16The family's journey begins with a marathon 26 hour flight to Auckland.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18At the airport, Courtenay's family
0:02:18 > 0:02:21are out in force to welcome him home.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Sorry, I've got a few tears in the eyes.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Good to see you, son, come back to the homeland.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31Well, naturally I'd love them to come out here and live but erm...
0:02:31 > 0:02:32It's a big decision.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37We're really excited to see Alice and Digby!
0:02:37 > 0:02:40We would love them to move to New Zealand!
0:02:40 > 0:02:44When the Sucklings finally arrive, it's hugs all round.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Very exciting, seeing the family.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50And seeing that, that's really exciting.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53It's been a while since we've seen some of my sisters.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55It's always quite emotional.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00But the jet lag's obviously hitting home with Alice.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Are you looking forward to playing with your cousins?
0:03:03 > 0:03:05I don't know their names.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Come the end of the week,
0:03:07 > 0:03:10a more permanent reunion could be on the cards for Courtenay.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13I guess I'm a little bit nervous because erm...
0:03:13 > 0:03:15it would be great if it all worked out really well
0:03:15 > 0:03:18but, obviously, there's that element where it might not.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21It's a big commitment to make and, obviously, with the family
0:03:21 > 0:03:23and everything here, yeah, we'll see.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25So, it's quite exciting, you know.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27It's decision time, really.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31Where the family's destiny lies will depend on the next few days.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37The Suckling's are dad Courtenay,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40mum Helen, Alice who's five,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42Digby, age three, and Henry the dog.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45They live in Poole, near Dorset.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Originally from New Zealand, it was fate that brought Courtenay
0:03:48 > 0:03:50and British-born Helen together.
0:03:50 > 0:03:5316 years ago while on separate holidays in France,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56the couple had a brief encounter.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59We met in La Rochelle in 1998.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03Exchanged e-mails.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06E-mails had just started then, e-mails had just started.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08On returning to their native countries,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10a tentative courtship began online.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13A few years later, romance blossomed
0:04:13 > 0:04:15when Helen travelled to New Zealand.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- We met up and... - In downtown Auckland.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Downtown Auckland and...
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- We were together then for the six months I was out there.- Yes.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27And then I went back to the UK.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Absence really did make the heart grow fonder, and one year later...
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Courtenay rang me up, one winter's night,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35I remember, I was in Balham,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37and he said, "I'm going to get out my English Visa
0:04:37 > 0:04:39"and let's see what happens."
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- And that was 11, 12 years ago. - 12 years ago.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Then we got married, got a dog
0:04:44 > 0:04:46and then the children,
0:04:46 > 0:04:51and then life just seems to keep moving along.
0:04:51 > 0:04:5512 years on and although settled in the UK, Courtenay still feels
0:04:55 > 0:04:58the pull of home and family.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00I've always wanted or felt a need that
0:05:00 > 0:05:03I should look at the option of going back to New Zealand.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06No-one's getting any younger, and my parents in particular...
0:05:06 > 0:05:10Erm, and I guess I haven't spent much time with them.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12With fond memories of a New Zealand upbringing,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15he believes the couple's children would flourish
0:05:15 > 0:05:16on the other side of the world.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18My childhood, my schooling
0:05:18 > 0:05:22has to do with where I was brought up, which was New Zealand.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24And I think it did give me a really good upbringing.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26But Helen fears Courtenay's dream could be nothing more
0:05:26 > 0:05:28than a false paradise.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Courtenay very much views New Zealand, I believe,
0:05:31 > 0:05:32with rose tinted spectacles on.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36The thing is with memory, sometimes you just remember the good times.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39I realise that things change over years
0:05:39 > 0:05:43and maybe it's not the same as what I remember, when I was growing up.
0:05:43 > 0:05:44But, at the same time,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46I really do hope that it does work.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Where their family should spend their future has been
0:05:49 > 0:05:53the subject of discussion in the household for more than a decade.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56We've been talking about the idea of moving to New Zealand for the whole
0:05:56 > 0:05:59time that we've been together now, in England for the last 12 years.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04I guess I've never seen myself not going back.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07And now, Helen accepts she has to consider
0:06:07 > 0:06:10the possibility of following her husband's dream.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14I definitely feel I have the responsibility to explore
0:06:14 > 0:06:17the chance of maybe going out and living in New Zealand.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20But she's not convinced life down under would trump what
0:06:20 > 0:06:22she already has at home.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25Everyone's too keen to say, "Well, why don't you
0:06:25 > 0:06:28"live in New Zealand?", because they think it must be this amazing place.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30And you just think, "But we've got it", you know?
0:06:30 > 0:06:32We've got a really good life here,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34so why would we want to give that up?
0:06:34 > 0:06:38And while moving would see Courtenay reunited with his family,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41it would mean Helen saying goodbye to hers.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44The main thing that's stopping me from going is knowing that
0:06:44 > 0:06:46I've got ageing parents.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48That's really, really not easy because
0:06:48 > 0:06:51you do feel a responsibility for your parents.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53I'm taking their grandchildren away from them
0:06:53 > 0:06:55and you can't get away from that.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57And so, that really does worry me.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00Courtenay knows it's a big ask
0:07:00 > 0:07:03but believes it could be a price worth paying.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Helen is the only daughter.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Digby and Alice are the only grandchildren.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12And I couldn't help but feel a little bit of guilt
0:07:12 > 0:07:17for taking Helen and the children back to New Zealand.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21But, at the same time, it has got to be best for us as a whole family.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24The next week will reveal where the Suckling's will call
0:07:24 > 0:07:26home for the rest of their lives.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29It is going to be a very big decision
0:07:29 > 0:07:33and we are going to obviously base our life off this decision.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35There's a lot at stake.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37New Zealand's got to come up with the goods.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52The Sucklings are spending their trial week in Auckland.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Voted the third most liveable city in the world,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57the "City of Sails", as it's known,
0:07:57 > 0:07:58is centred between two harbours
0:07:58 > 0:08:02and home to a young and diverse population.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05The family's base for the week is this bungalow,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08nestled by Lake Pupuke, on the city's north shore.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12It's close to where Courtenay grew up and Helen also seems at home.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Well, this is nice.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17This is the open plan living room.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18This is lovely, isn't it?
0:08:21 > 0:08:24You've got the doors to go straight onto a lovely...decking.
0:08:24 > 0:08:25Outside.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27Erm, and this is the back garden?
0:08:27 > 0:08:29This must be the back garden, there's no...
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- So, no grass area?- No grass area.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34For the... For the kids to play.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Alice and Digby are making do.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Look, I can see...
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Hi, there! Are you being good?
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Do you Kiwis not like gardens?
0:08:44 > 0:08:45Is that the problem?
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Used to like it.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Maybe it's changed.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51Having last lived in the country as a teenager,
0:08:51 > 0:08:56Courtenay's aware the country may not be everything he remembers.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59Although I'm a New Zealander and I love New Zealand
0:08:59 > 0:09:01and everything else,
0:09:01 > 0:09:03we do love our life in the UK as well.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05As night falls, Helen knows how much
0:09:05 > 0:09:08the upcoming week means to her husband.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11He's from here, he's a Kiwi, his family are all here.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13I think he's very proud of his country.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16This is coming home, to him.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19I think in a heartbeat he would say, "Let's move back to New Zealand",
0:09:19 > 0:09:23but he is, I think, also very aware that I have reservations.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26I do want it to work but, at the same time,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28it is really going to be
0:09:28 > 0:09:31a family decision on whether it's going to be the best for all of us.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35This could be the decision, this could be, "Yes, we are going
0:09:35 > 0:09:39"to move", or, "No, we just don't think this would work out for us".
0:09:39 > 0:09:42But whatever decision's going to be made,
0:09:42 > 0:09:43it's not going to be an easy one.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Back in the UK, Helen is happy with the family's three-bedroom
0:09:52 > 0:09:54bungalow near Poole in Dorset.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56I do love the location of our home.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59We've got great neighbours, great friends around
0:09:59 > 0:10:01and it's just opposite the harbour park.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05The couple would have a healthy £500,000 to spend on property
0:10:05 > 0:10:07down under, and top of the wish list
0:10:07 > 0:10:09is space for Helen's parents to visit.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13Three large bedrooms and a granny annexe would be great.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16And the bare minimum is a decent sized fourth bedroom
0:10:16 > 0:10:18which they could stay in comfortably.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20Somewhere with a decent outdoor space, obviously.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24And not too far out and too remote.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26It's nice to be around other people
0:10:26 > 0:10:28and it's nice to be part of a community.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Finding the right house down under will be a key factor
0:10:31 > 0:10:35in deciding where the Sucklings spend the rest of their lives.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42To show the family how far their £500,000 would stretch in Auckland,
0:10:42 > 0:10:45we've lined up three properties.
0:10:45 > 0:10:46Two close to their budget
0:10:46 > 0:10:49and a third which could be their dream home.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51The search begins in Takapuna,
0:10:51 > 0:10:53a vibrant seaside suburb just five miles north
0:10:53 > 0:10:56of Auckland's city centre.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59With shops, schools and shore all within walking distance,
0:10:59 > 0:11:03it could be the ideal spot for the Sucklings.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06It's a really nice area. And that's a lovely view, look at that.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Overlooking Auckland, really, there. It is lovely.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11The setting seems perfect,
0:11:11 > 0:11:15but what will everyone make of this modern four-bedroom house?
0:11:15 > 0:11:16Right, oh, the kitchen.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18It's a lovely kitchen.
0:11:18 > 0:11:19It's a decent size.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21It's not a large kitchen.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24The layout isn't quite as expected.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28Is that quite unusual, to have the kitchen with the living room?
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Cos normally you'd have like a dining room rather than
0:11:31 > 0:11:32a living room.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- Do you two like this house? - BOTH: Yes.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38What do you like about the house?
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- The kitchen. - Do you like the kitchen?
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- I really just like the clock. - It's a nice clock.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46It's a big tick from Alice and Digby so far.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Oh, this is nice, isn't it?
0:11:48 > 0:11:50This is really nice.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52It's lovely the way it's getting the sun from
0:11:52 > 0:11:54so many different angles, isn't it?
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Yeah, lots of windows.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- Shall we go and have a look outside? - Yeah!
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Oh, wow. This is really nice.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03It's lovely, isn't it?
0:12:03 > 0:12:05But something's missing.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Yet again, there is no grass area.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Can you imagine living here with Henry
0:12:10 > 0:12:11without having the green grass?
0:12:11 > 0:12:14You know what, I was just thinking of Henry...
0:12:14 > 0:12:16That's the only thing I was thinking, of Henry with no grass.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Maybe a sign the grass isn't always greener, Courtenay.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Back indoors...
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- This is nice, isn't it? - What is that?
0:12:23 > 0:12:26This is a nice, bright bedroom.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28It's a nice, bright bedroom.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30There's a perfect view of the city.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- Isn't that lovely?- Look, what's over there. You can see the Sky Tower.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Yeah!- And the city and the sail.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39And the spacious master bedroom's another hit.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42Oh, it's lovely, isn't it? This is a really, really lovely bedroom.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44This is a lot bigger than our bedroom.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46Lovely views out the windows as well.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Yeah, your nice walk in wardrobe.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51That's what you want. Lovely.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55This house could be bringing Helen round to the idea of Kiwi living.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58No, it's really lovely. Really nice.
0:12:58 > 0:12:59Oh, look at this! This is lovely.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Well, the sun's lovely.- Oh, lovely.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Wow. Nice view, again.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06The upstairs decking area provides the perfect
0:13:06 > 0:13:09position for a pitch from Courtenay.
0:13:09 > 0:13:10Lovely day.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13It's like this every day here, Helen.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Another day in paradise.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21Hmm. She's not giving anything away.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23But is this house a piece of heaven they could
0:13:23 > 0:13:25afford on their £500,000 budget?
0:13:25 > 0:13:30So, I think it's going to be around about £550,000.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I'm going to go 565.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35A bit nervous, so... Yeah, let's have a look.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- Shall we have a look and turn it over?- You turn it over.- Oh...
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- You can turn it over and let's have a look.- Yeah, I know.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- Oh, it was quite a surprise.- You can turn it over and let's have a look.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46I'm quite... I'm quite surprised.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Turn it over!
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- 505,000.- 505.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52That's just £5,000 over budget.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- OK, so let's...- Actually, that's surprising.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56I thought it would be more than that.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59I thought in the area, it was probably going to be a bit more,
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- but maybe because of the garden... - The lack of garden, yeah.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- So, OK. - With the price of Auckland houses,
0:14:05 > 0:14:07I think that's encouraging,
0:14:07 > 0:14:09definitely encouraging.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13A move back home for Courtenay could be looking more likely already.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Property two's in the suburb of Beach Haven.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Although not quite as upmarket as Takapuna,
0:14:18 > 0:14:23the area does offer the strong sense of community Helen's after.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25With plenty of outdoor space,
0:14:25 > 0:14:29this three-bedroom property could be right up the couple's street.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33Oh, this is nice.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Oh, wow.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37That's an amazing view, isn't it?
0:14:37 > 0:14:40It's another good start.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- I can see every house. - How many houses?
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- Lots! - Lots of houses!
0:14:45 > 0:14:47I can see trees.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Now, that really is an amazing view.
0:14:50 > 0:14:51Beautiful.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55And it's not just the scenery that's impressive.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57The kitchen goes down well.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59I like this kitchen. I love the flooring.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01I think it's just a bit more character.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02Yeah, it's a love the kitchen.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05And, again, you're constantly looking out over that.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- Can't help yourself, can you? - No.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11And the property has panoramic views from nearly every angle.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13This is nice.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- Wow, that view again. - Lovely view.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19Helen could be beginning to see things from Courtenay's view.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Yeah, this is...this is definitely more what I had in mind when you
0:15:22 > 0:15:25think about moving back to New Zealand, to a house in New Zealand.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- You wouldn't get tired of that. - No.
0:15:27 > 0:15:28No, OK.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- Oh! This is lovely, isn't it? - Beautifully presented.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- Nicely presented bedroom. - A beautifully presented bedroom.
0:15:35 > 0:15:36This is amazing. This is the view
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- that you'd...- Sit in bed and... - ..not bother getting out of bed for.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Downstairs lies the perfect spot for visitors.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49This is the granny annexe, or self-contained flat.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51It's a really good size, isn't it?
0:15:51 > 0:15:53And it would be perfect for your parents if they came over.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- Oh, amazing.- And they could do the gardening while they're here.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59You having a nice time?
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- Are you enjoying playing in the garden?- Yeah!
0:16:03 > 0:16:06This is all lovely, isn't it?
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Look, you can sit there, catch the sun.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Oh, yes. That's nice.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Helen seems smitten.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Great garden, beautifully done.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19I think it's a fantastic house.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23Could it be sowing seeds of hope for Courtenay's dream?
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Can you see yourself living in this house?
0:16:26 > 0:16:29I think I'd be very happy to live in this house.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Yeah, I'd... This is a house I'd love to live in.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36Yet again, it's someplace the whole family could call home
0:16:36 > 0:16:40but only if the price falls within their £500,000 budget.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- Shall we see? - Shall we have a look?- Yeah.
0:16:43 > 0:16:44OK, go.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51470,000.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54That's £30,000 under budget
0:16:54 > 0:16:55and Helen's impressed.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58It's affordable.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01You can have a much bigger house, a bigger garden, great views.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Housing wise, it's far more attractive over here.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06That's, you know, and you can't argue with that.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- It's a good step in the right direction.- Yeah.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13Things seem to be affordable for the kind of things that we need.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16The property hunt is off to a good start for Courtenay.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21The family move on to the final viewing of the day,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24a property we think could be their dream home.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Situated just seven miles from the city centre,
0:17:27 > 0:17:31this spacious five bedroom property is located in Forest Hill,
0:17:31 > 0:17:34one of Auckland's most desirable suburbs.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38Before they're through the doors, Alice spots a bonus.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- What's it got, Alice? - A swimming pool!
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- It's got a swimming pool? - Yeah!
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Alice and Digby are delighted,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48but mum and dad aren't quite as happy with the pool's position.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50It's not exactly like it's a relaxing,
0:17:50 > 0:17:52"Let's chill out by the pool",
0:17:52 > 0:17:54cos that is a busy road, isn't it?
0:17:54 > 0:17:58And you are overlooked by the neighbours. It's not a private pool.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00It's not the best of starts.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03But while indoors does have some redeeming features...
0:18:03 > 0:18:05In you come.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08Oh, this looks nice, doesn't it?
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- All very modern and new, isn't it? - Oh.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Oh, isn't it beautiful?
0:18:13 > 0:18:16..it's not long before cracks appear.
0:18:16 > 0:18:17It's quite a small kitchen though.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21Yes, for a family of four this is too small.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25This would be too small, I feel.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Helen's looking on the bright side.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- Look, look at that afternoon sun that you're getting in.- Yeah.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33And maybe the swimming pool is actually more of an aesthetic
0:18:33 > 0:18:36feature to watch rather than get in and use.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39I don't think that'll wash with Courtenay.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43If I'm going to pay for a swimming pool I want to be able to use it.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48I just can't get over the cars going past constantly.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51While the garden has a hidden home...
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Oh, this is an extra single bedroom.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54Oh, wow.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57..it's not exactly to Helen's taste.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00It's not warm and insulated and comfy,
0:19:00 > 0:19:02and it's not part of the rest of the house.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05I'm just looking at the strip lighting there, too. It's just...
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- This is a painted shed.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10This is what this is, yeah.
0:19:10 > 0:19:11Oh, dear.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Perhaps the other bedrooms can improve things.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Right, so this, I guess,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20is one of the main bedrooms.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- Shower room. - Yeah, en suite.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- So, this is definitely the master bedroom.- Yeah.
0:19:26 > 0:19:27OK.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31The location may be desirable, but for Helen the house is anything but.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34This house is not doing very much from me at all.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36It's just a box.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- Yeah.- It's got no character at all.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Although it may not be perfect,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44the property's pool and position could make it pricey.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49Will this house be within the couple's £500,000 budget?
0:19:49 > 0:19:51If you think about it as a sale point of view,
0:19:51 > 0:19:52it's got five bedrooms,
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- it's got a swimming pool...- Yeah.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58I think this value is going to be 580,000.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Erm, I'm going to go for £600,000.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02OK. Right, shall we have a look?
0:20:03 > 0:20:06OK...
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- 609.- Wow.- So that was one for me.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- Wow.- So it's £609,000.- That's a lot of money for this house, isn't it?
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Yeah, I don't really think it would matter how much money it was,
0:20:16 > 0:20:17I don't - it's not for us.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- No.- It's not for us.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21After a positive start,
0:20:21 > 0:20:25the day's ended on a slight downer for Helen and Courtenay.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Property number 1 offered a piece of paradise
0:20:27 > 0:20:29but the lack of grass was an issue.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32The second house was a hit with everyone -
0:20:32 > 0:20:35and at £30,000 under budget,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38was somewhere the family could afford to call home.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40And although it had all the space they could need,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43the final property left them feeling empty.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46So will the Sucklings choose property at home or away?
0:20:46 > 0:20:50Based on what we've seen today, we are going to vote for...
0:20:55 > 0:20:56UK.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58New Zealand.
0:20:58 > 0:20:59New Zealand!
0:20:59 > 0:21:00Which was your favourite house?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- I like the one with the swimming pool.- Yes!
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Swimming pool.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08So why did you choose New Zealand today?
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- I thought the second house in particular...- Yeah.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15..ticked all the boxes that we wanted from a property.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18I'd actually probably agree with you there but at the moment,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20from what I saw and what you could buy with your money,
0:21:20 > 0:21:22I think we are better off in the UK.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Despite some appeal,
0:21:31 > 0:21:35Helen wasn't entirely won over by Kiwi properties.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Courtenay's homecoming hopes may have hit a snag
0:21:38 > 0:21:40but it's early days yet
0:21:40 > 0:21:45and a positive result on the job front could make all the difference.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50Back in the UK, Courtenay runs his own carpentry and building business
0:21:50 > 0:21:53and being his own boss has its perks.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56I do have the flexibility to control my own hours
0:21:56 > 0:22:01and most of my work is within 5, 10 minutes of home.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04Here in the UK, my work/life balance is actually really good.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08He's really fortunate, he only ever works in a very, very small area.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11I'm not sure that he'll definitely be able to find that in New Zealand.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16He's very hopeful that he will - I'm not 100% sure about that.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Acting head of department Helen enjoys her job
0:22:19 > 0:22:22teaching business studies at a local comprehensive.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25The school that I work for - in, is fantastic.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Everyone's really friendly, it's a lovely environment,
0:22:29 > 0:22:33it takes a long time to find what I've currently got.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35And for her to be tempted to move,
0:22:35 > 0:22:39New Zealand would have to offer a like-for-like position.
0:22:39 > 0:22:45If you can't have as good a life as you have here at the moment,
0:22:45 > 0:22:49I don't really understand the point in going.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52Everything's riding on today
0:22:52 > 0:22:56if Courtenay's to have a realistic chance of returning home.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00This I guess would be the main teetering point
0:23:00 > 0:23:04because everyone needs money to live and financially if it doesn't work,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07then effectively I guess the dream would be over.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12Courtenay's day gets under way with a visit to a North Shore construction company.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13Hi.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17He's met by joint directors Dedan Percy and Dave Groves.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- Shall we go upstairs? - Yeah, thank you.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Straightaway, there's good news.
0:23:21 > 0:23:22Let's get started.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- We're just luckily at the start of a boom here in New Zealand...- OK.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30..so we're avidly looking for site managers and contracts managers.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34It shouldn't be hard to find a job but Courtenay's anxious to hear
0:23:34 > 0:23:37how working hours would compare to back in the UK.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39What's the work/life balance like here in New Zealand?
0:23:39 > 0:23:43Ten years ago, it'd be a lot more of a balance -
0:23:43 > 0:23:47you'd be doing a lot less hours and spending more time on the beach.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50Nowadays, people are working more hours, it is changing.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52With the demands of our projects,
0:23:52 > 0:23:56you're generally working up to 50 hours,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59including your Saturdays if you need to.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02It's not what Courtenay was hoping to hear.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06To explore her work prospects,
0:24:06 > 0:24:10Helen's visiting a local secondary school.
0:24:10 > 0:24:11- Hi, lovely to meet you.- Hello.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15She meets Brendan Kelly, Senior School Principal.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19At the moment, I'm Acting Head of Social Sciences and Business Studies -
0:24:19 > 0:24:22is that something that would be recognised over here in New Zealand?
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Your experience in the UK would be recognised here
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- and particularly your expertise in the Cambridge system...- Right.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- ..the GCSEs and the A-levels...- Yeah.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- ..could be a real plus in your favour.- Yeah.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35..in terms of winning a position like that.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39Continuing in the role she enjoys so much shouldn't be a problem.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Like Courtenay though, Helen's keen to discover how her
0:24:42 > 0:24:44working day would pan out in New Zealand.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47So typically in New Zealand, secondary school might start
0:24:47 > 0:24:52- anywhere between 8.20 to, say, 9 o'clock.- Yeah, right.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55And then might finish anywhere from 3 to 3.30.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57That all sounds very similar to the UK,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00it actually seems to work on a parallel.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03No surprises for Helen so far.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Back at the construction company, Courtenay's about to find out
0:25:06 > 0:25:09if the increase in hours would be matched by a rise in pay.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12So fresh off the boat you're looking at a package that would
0:25:12 > 0:25:16range between 75,000 and 95,000 dollars
0:25:16 > 0:25:21and once you've got two to three years' experience in New Zealand,
0:25:21 > 0:25:25then you could demand anywhere between 95 and 120,000 dollars.
0:25:25 > 0:25:3195,000 dollars equates to approximately £48,000 a year -
0:25:31 > 0:25:35almost a third more than Courtenay currently earns in the UK.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39And with the construction industry booming, he could be in demand.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Looking at your experience, we would be seriously
0:25:42 > 0:25:44interested in talking to you if you want to make that big move.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48You come across as a great guy and you seem to be the perfect fit.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Great, that sounds really positive.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54Although it would mean longer hours, the benefits could be worth it.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Back with Brendan, Helen's also talking pay.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01So what would the salary be for a head of department
0:26:01 > 0:26:03business studies teacher here at Kristin School?
0:26:03 > 0:26:08You'd expect to be paid in the region between 85 and 90,000 dollars.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10That sounds very similar to the UK.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13If a job became available here, would you consider me?
0:26:13 > 0:26:14Yes, certainly, Helen.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17I think you have got a lot of the characteristics that we look for
0:26:17 > 0:26:19in teachers so I think you could feel really confident
0:26:19 > 0:26:22about applying for a job at a school like Kristin
0:26:22 > 0:26:24and I'll certainly encourage you to do that.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Right. Thank you very much for seeing me today.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28With such good news at the school,
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Helen could be beginning to see some appeal in Auckland.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I think today's actually complicated my decision
0:26:34 > 0:26:37because it's been so positive, it's kind of like,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40"well, it could work and this is why it would work,"
0:26:40 > 0:26:43and so, yes, it's now made the decision possibly even harder.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46And the day's also seen Courtenay torn.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Obviously the salary was higher than what I'd be earning in the UK
0:26:50 > 0:26:53and that's a positive
0:26:53 > 0:26:54but on the other hand
0:26:54 > 0:26:56there is a lot of hours that are going to be put in
0:26:56 > 0:27:00and at the end of the day the family is the main concern for me.
0:27:00 > 0:27:01So when it comes to work,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04will the Sucklings choose New Zealand or the UK?
0:27:04 > 0:27:06We've had a really informative day today
0:27:06 > 0:27:09and based on what we've seen, we are going to vote for...
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- Undecided.- Undecided.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19What? Why have you done that?
0:27:19 > 0:27:21I really thought you'd have gone for New Zealand.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- Well everything today was - it was really positive.- Yeah.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27The only thing I wasn't sure about was the hours
0:27:27 > 0:27:31and the balance that I would get between my work and family life.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33How about you, how come you've gone undecided?
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Well, it's six of one, half a dozen of another.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38I don't think you're any worse off or any better off.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- I'm quite surprised you've gone for undecided.- Mmm.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53Longer working hours means Courtenay could now be questioning
0:27:53 > 0:27:58if chasing a dream move home is actually best for his family.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01He's always wanted his children to enjoy the New Zealand upbringing
0:28:01 > 0:28:06he experienced, so will a day out exploring the Kiwi way of life
0:28:06 > 0:28:10help convince everyone the country's where their future should lie?
0:28:10 > 0:28:14Courtenay has cherished childhood memories of skiing
0:28:14 > 0:28:16in the New Zealand mountains
0:28:16 > 0:28:19so the family head off to the next best thing in Auckland -
0:28:19 > 0:28:21an indoor snow resort.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23Whoo!
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Alice and Digby are happy to hit the slopes.
0:28:33 > 0:28:34- Hi.- Hello.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36And though the snow's artificial,
0:28:36 > 0:28:39the smile on Helen's face is the real deal.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Are we going to move to New Zealand?
0:28:41 > 0:28:43- We'll have to have a think, won't we?- Yeah, here we go.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48For Courtenay, seeing Alice and Digby having fun
0:28:48 > 0:28:53is a reminder of why he's been so keen to explore a move home.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58I think the biggest draw for me is that I could offer
0:28:58 > 0:29:01Alice and Digby the same kind of experiences
0:29:01 > 0:29:04that I had when I was growing up.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07And that's a point on which Helen doesn't need to be convinced.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10I think it'd be an amazing place for Alice and Digby to grow up,
0:29:10 > 0:29:11without doubt.
0:29:11 > 0:29:16The whole sports, outdoor lifestyle, being active -
0:29:16 > 0:29:19I think for children it is amazing here in New Zealand, definitely.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22But while she has her concerns...
0:29:22 > 0:29:25I'm worried that I would find it quite difficult
0:29:25 > 0:29:27and I would be lonely.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31A question for me is - can I see myself growing old here?
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Would I want to live here permanently?
0:29:34 > 0:29:36And of that I'm not sure.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38..Courtenay also admits he's wrestling with the thought
0:29:38 > 0:29:41of leaving behind the life he has in the UK.
0:29:41 > 0:29:46The pull on one side would be the family, the outdoor life.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49The pulls to the UK would be security, comfort,
0:29:49 > 0:29:52the life that we're living at the moment - it's a good life.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54I see so many positive bits
0:29:54 > 0:29:57and then so many other bits where I'm a little bit concerned about.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59A devil and an angel, one on each shoulder
0:29:59 > 0:30:02and they're both having a little argument there.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04With the ultimate decision looming,
0:30:04 > 0:30:07where the family will spend their future is anything but clear-cut.
0:30:07 > 0:30:12Based on lifestyle though, will they choose New Zealand or the UK?
0:30:12 > 0:30:16We've had a great day today here in New Zealand looking at lifestyle
0:30:16 > 0:30:18and based on that we are going to vote for...
0:30:24 > 0:30:25- ALL:- New Zealand!
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- New Zealand!- New Zealand!
0:30:28 > 0:30:29Why did you choose New Zealand?
0:30:29 > 0:30:32I think cos I think lifestyles are better here.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36And, Alice, how come you voted for New Zealand?
0:30:36 > 0:30:39Because I like the snow place.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41You like the snow place?
0:30:41 > 0:30:44I want to move to New Zealand.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48I think I've always seen what I had when I was growing up
0:30:48 > 0:30:51and maybe what we've seen today is a snippet of it.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- Maybe you could see what I was talking about.- Mm-hmm.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57I think it does offer a better lifestyle,
0:30:57 > 0:30:59- especially for the children when they're young.- Mmm.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01- If you've got the time to enjoy it...- Mmm.
0:31:01 > 0:31:02..and the disposable income.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12Courtenay's always believed New Zealand could offer
0:31:12 > 0:31:14Alice and Digby a better childhood
0:31:14 > 0:31:17but while Helen looks like she could be coming round to the idea,
0:31:17 > 0:31:22there's still a lot to consider before the family's final decision.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26The day is rounded off spending some time with Courtenay's family
0:31:26 > 0:31:27and for him and Helen
0:31:27 > 0:31:31it's a poignant reminder of what's at stake.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33They are a very close family, you know,
0:31:33 > 0:31:36his three sisters and his parents and all the nieces and nephews -
0:31:36 > 0:31:37that is a big pull.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42And when I come back, it's like I've never left.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46Oh, spending time with Courtenay and Helen, Digby and Alice -
0:31:46 > 0:31:48it's fantastic but it's never enough, you know?
0:31:48 > 0:31:50We're a very close family
0:31:50 > 0:31:53and if Courtenay was here it would just be complete.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Wherever the couple decide to call home,
0:31:55 > 0:31:59either Helen or Courtenay would be separated from their family.
0:31:59 > 0:32:00There's grandparents in England
0:32:00 > 0:32:02and there's grandparents in New Zealand
0:32:02 > 0:32:04and we couldn't get any further apart.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15While their week so far has shown the couple what they could gain
0:32:15 > 0:32:17from New Zealand, they both still have their concerns.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19All right.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Will the finances provide any clarity?
0:32:22 > 0:32:26They think their property at home is worth £390,000.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30We sent round two estate agents to see if they're right.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32- Oh, there we are.- Here we go.- Yay!
0:32:35 > 0:32:39- Why is that man going to our house? - He's going in our house, isn't he?
0:32:40 > 0:32:42What a fabulous family room this is,
0:32:42 > 0:32:45with a lovely aspect on to the garden at the rear.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48There's Henry.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54This is a pleasant separate lounge area from the family kitchen-diner.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56Great family room.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Good-sized master bedroom.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01Nice aspect over the front.
0:33:03 > 0:33:04Oh!
0:33:04 > 0:33:06Great children's bedroom.
0:33:08 > 0:33:09Where's he going?
0:33:10 > 0:33:15Nice, spacious loft bedroom with a big Velux window.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Me!
0:33:17 > 0:33:18Great decked area,
0:33:18 > 0:33:22forming a nice extension to the lounge with nice family garden.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25I would appraise the property in current market conditions
0:33:25 > 0:33:27in the region of £385,000
0:33:27 > 0:33:32and for a quick sale, £360,000.
0:33:32 > 0:33:37A very well-presented, extended, versatile family chalet.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41Current market value lies around
0:33:41 > 0:33:42£425,000
0:33:42 > 0:33:44and for a quick sale, £400,000.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48That's a huge difference.
0:33:48 > 0:33:49Yeah, that's quite a big spread -
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- the 360 might have been a little bit on the low side.- Yeah.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- But it's kind of pretty much what we thought it would be...- Yeah, yeah.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- so, yeah.- That's true, yeah.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02With encouraging valuations, the couple move on to get to grips
0:34:02 > 0:34:04with the finances of life down under.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06Right, shall we have a look?
0:34:06 > 0:34:09We've provided a comparison of the cost of living
0:34:09 > 0:34:11between New Zealand and the UK.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15First up is the weekly supermarket shop.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18Lemons are cheaper. There you go, lemons are cheaper.
0:34:18 > 0:34:19- Probably cos they're in season.- Yeah.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22Oh, no, end of season - it's winter now, isn't it?
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- And you can grow them here.- Yeah.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Brown rolls are double the price.
0:34:27 > 0:34:28Bananas are double the price.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32Wow, most things are double the price.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34So how does the grocery shop add up?
0:34:34 > 0:34:39- ...equals £74.- 17 pence...
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- Yep.- ..difference.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46So £74 a week more on grocery bills.
0:34:46 > 0:34:47Mmm.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51That's an extra £300 a month for food alone.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Moving on to the bigger outgoings,
0:34:53 > 0:34:58the couple's UK mortgage costs them approximately £1,200 a month.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Basing their figures on the second property they saw...
0:35:01 > 0:35:05Our mortgage in New Zealand would be 1,624...
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- And then that would have a difference of...- And the difference is...
0:35:08 > 0:35:12- £450.- £450 a month.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- OK.- More expensive for New Zealand.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16- Yeah.- Wow.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18It's a sizeable increase
0:35:18 > 0:35:22but Courtenay could up his earnings by a third in New Zealand.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24Taking that into account,
0:35:24 > 0:35:27would the couple be better or worse off down under?
0:35:27 > 0:35:34So we would be £470 a month worse off coming to live in New Zealand.
0:35:34 > 0:35:35Yeah.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- That's a quarter...- That's a lot of money.- Yeah, it's -
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- that is a lot of money.- It's too much.- That's too much.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43It's a disappointing result for Courtenay.
0:35:43 > 0:35:48We would actually not even be able to afford to live.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50That really is crazy, isn't it?
0:35:54 > 0:35:57But it isn't necessarily the end of the line.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Do you think it takes New Zealand out as an option?
0:36:00 > 0:36:02No, I don't think it takes New Zealand out.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06- It takes Auckland out, it definitely doesn't take New Zealand out.- Mmm.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09A life in the country's biggest city might be out
0:36:09 > 0:36:11but does that mean it's a done deal
0:36:11 > 0:36:14choosing between finances in the UK and New Zealand?
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Now that we've had a chance to look
0:36:16 > 0:36:18at the cost of living here in New Zealand,
0:36:18 > 0:36:19we are going to vote for...
0:36:26 > 0:36:29- UK.- UK.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31- No surprises there, really, is there?- No.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- No.- You couldn't choose New Zealand going on those figures.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37No, no. Not in our situation at the moment.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40No. It just didn't work financially.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42Yeah, it's just a no-brainer really.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50Their week down under has seen Courtenay
0:36:50 > 0:36:54wrestle with the positive and negative points of a return home
0:36:54 > 0:36:58but he may be about to face his biggest stumbling block.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02Helen's concern has always been leaving her relatives in the UK,
0:37:02 > 0:37:05so will a reminder of what she stands to lose back home
0:37:05 > 0:37:08be the final straw for Courtenay's dream?
0:37:08 > 0:37:12The family sit down to watch a DVD of messages from home together.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14I'm quite nervous about this.
0:37:16 > 0:37:17Hello.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Helen, Courtenay,
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Alice and Digby.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Hello, Helen, Courtenay, Alice and Digby.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Hi, Helen, Courtenay, Digby and Alice.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29They pretty much come across as the ideal family.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31They seem to have a really good set-up.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35Courtenay's just very laid-back - must be the style of New Zealand.
0:37:36 > 0:37:41Helen is fabulous, she's one of my best friends.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43She has a great sense of humour.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47She is somebody that I'd ring in a crisis, a great friend to have.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52Alice is very cute and funny and she's also very caring,
0:37:52 > 0:37:54she takes that from her parents, definitely.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Digby is a smaller brother,
0:37:57 > 0:38:00he looks up to Alice and they get on really well.
0:38:00 > 0:38:07What I love is Alice and Digby coming down in the mornings
0:38:07 > 0:38:11and asking for a story - oh, it's so precious.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12Lovely moments.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Yeah, I wasn't surprised when Helen told me
0:38:15 > 0:38:18about the potential trip to New Zealand.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20I'm used to having her around!
0:38:20 > 0:38:23And I think if she wasn't around, I would really miss her.
0:38:23 > 0:38:24I would really miss her.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28I won't particularly like it but I will accept it,
0:38:28 > 0:38:30that it is best for them.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35I will miss them all massively.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39We just have a lot of fun together, almost like an extended family.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Very sad, very sad.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46I'd miss them terribly...
0:38:48 > 0:38:52..and it's only when they decide to go that it will really sink in.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57I would miss you desperately.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59I don't know what I'd do without you
0:38:59 > 0:39:01but if you decide that you're going to go for it
0:39:01 > 0:39:03I will support you all the way.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05I will miss you, especially you, Digby and Alice,
0:39:05 > 0:39:11but for you I think it's a lifetime opportunity and I'd go for it.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14We will miss you massively and our friendship will never change,
0:39:14 > 0:39:16whether you're here or on the other side of the world -
0:39:16 > 0:39:17it doesn't matter.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19It's your decision.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23I will miss you all so terribly.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27Please decide
0:39:27 > 0:39:30to come back to England and stay.
0:39:39 > 0:39:40You can't get away from it.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42There is no, "oh, well, they'll be fine,
0:39:42 > 0:39:45"I think they'll be fine in a year or two."
0:39:46 > 0:39:50Cos I tell you they won't. Do you?
0:39:50 > 0:39:53Alice and Digby mean the world to them
0:39:53 > 0:39:57and there's no right answer to say, "oh, it's all right,
0:39:57 > 0:40:00"they'll get over it," or, "oh, my parents will get over it."
0:40:00 > 0:40:03You can't get away from that and I really do believe
0:40:03 > 0:40:06that somebody along the way is going to lose out.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Their week down under has shown Courtenay
0:40:11 > 0:40:16that a life in New Zealand may not be the utopia he'd been hoping for.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Now, with Helen hit hard
0:40:18 > 0:40:22by the thought of leaving loved ones behind in the UK,
0:40:22 > 0:40:25is his dream to move his family to the country he calls home
0:40:25 > 0:40:28over for good?
0:40:29 > 0:40:33Although time spent in New Zealand has had a positive effect on Helen...
0:40:33 > 0:40:37I think it's a beautiful country, it's very impressive.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39..the thought of breaking close bonds in the UK
0:40:39 > 0:40:42means her decision's far from easy.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45If it wasn't, I think, for my parents I think I would say,
0:40:45 > 0:40:47"come on, let's go, let's go and give it a go."
0:40:47 > 0:40:49But my mum actually said, "please don't go,"
0:40:49 > 0:40:50and it would break my mum's heart
0:40:50 > 0:40:53and that's why it can't just be a quick decision, that's for sure.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57But it's perhaps Courtenay who faces the biggest dilemma.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00While a move back home could deliver on several fronts,
0:41:00 > 0:41:03the week's also thrown some curveballs his way.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06It's been a little bit surreal being back here.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09To come back as a parent and a grown-up,
0:41:09 > 0:41:11it gives you a bit of a different perspective on it.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Yeah, I guess some things have been a bit of a shock.
0:41:14 > 0:41:15As their final vote approaches,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18the couple seem more torn than ever -
0:41:18 > 0:41:21Courtenay over where his family would have a better life
0:41:21 > 0:41:23and Helen over whether to grant her husband's wish.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25I feel completely torn.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29It just seems that, you know, for every positive there's a negative.
0:41:29 > 0:41:34I don't know, is my heart ruling my head or is my head ruling my heart?
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Every half-hour, my mind seems to change.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38We're just caught. Yeah, just caught.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40Can you come back here, please?
0:41:40 > 0:41:43My heart would say move back
0:41:43 > 0:41:47but I've got four hearts to consider, not just my own.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49After years of discussion,
0:41:49 > 0:41:53it's time to discover just where the Suckling family's future lies.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56We've had a great trial week here in New Zealand
0:41:56 > 0:41:58and based on everything we've experienced,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01our final vote is going to go to...
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- UK.- Undecided.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12Erm, New Zealand!
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- Wow. Here we go.- Why?
0:42:14 > 0:42:18Based on the information from this week, I had to choose the UK.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22If I was working really long hours and couldn't be at home
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- and we were financially worse off...- Yeah.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- ..then I couldn't choose New Zealand.- Yeah.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30Why didn't you vote for the UK?
0:42:30 > 0:42:34I think it would be fantastic for the children to come over here
0:42:34 > 0:42:38and live over here but I think we need to look elsewhere.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40Auckland's not it.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43It's a little bit more tricky, isn't it?
0:42:43 > 0:42:45- It's a little bit more tricky.- Yeah.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48I'm feeling your disappointment.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50I can feel it, Courtenay, I can feel it.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53As much as my heart wanted to say New Zealand,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56my head won over and said, "it's the UK."
0:43:02 > 0:43:04Unfortunately for Courtenay,
0:43:04 > 0:43:08in the end the figures just didn't stack up in favour of a move
0:43:08 > 0:43:12to New Zealand and it seems that, for a while yet at least,
0:43:12 > 0:43:16the Sucklings will be staying put in the UK.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20We wish them well - whatever their future holds.