Suckling Family Wanted Down Under


Suckling Family

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You may genuinely believe a better life could be

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waiting for you on the other side of the world.

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Yet actually going ahead with the move

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means a massive leap of faith.

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Will the land of your dreams actually live up to expectations?

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One family are about find out.

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After moving 11,000 miles to be with the woman he loves,

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Kiwi, Courtenay believes a return home to New Zealand

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could be best for his family.

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I've always wanted, or felt a need,

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that I should look at the option of going back to New Zealand.

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Wife Helen is ready to give it a shot.

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I have the responsibility to explore

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going out and living in New Zealand.

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But when a week in the country reveals

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life wouldn't always be rosy...

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We would actually not even be able to afford to live.

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..it's Courtenay who's left questioning his dream.

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A devil and an angel, one on each shoulder

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and they're both having a little argument there.

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With three quarters of its residents living within

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walking distance of a beach,

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it's little wonder almost 9,000 UK residents

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make the move to New Zealand each year.

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But despite the temperate climate and stunning scenery,

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the country isn't the land of milk and honey for everyone,

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and almost half of those who make the move return home.

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Courtenay Suckling believes life could be

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so much better for his family in his native country of New Zealand.

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Now, he has one week to prove it

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and persuade his wife to make a move right around the globe.

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At the end of the week, the family will face a decision

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which will change the course of their lives forever -

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whether to stay in the UK or start a new life down under.

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The family's journey begins with a marathon 26 hour flight to Auckland.

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At the airport, Courtenay's family

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are out in force to welcome him home.

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Sorry, I've got a few tears in the eyes.

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Good to see you, son, come back to the homeland.

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Well, naturally I'd love them to come out here and live but erm...

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It's a big decision.

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We're really excited to see Alice and Digby!

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We would love them to move to New Zealand!

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When the Sucklings finally arrive, it's hugs all round.

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Very exciting, seeing the family.

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And seeing that, that's really exciting.

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It's been a while since we've seen some of my sisters.

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It's always quite emotional.

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But the jet lag's obviously hitting home with Alice.

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Are you looking forward to playing with your cousins?

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I don't know their names.

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Come the end of the week,

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a more permanent reunion could be on the cards for Courtenay.

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I guess I'm a little bit nervous because erm...

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it would be great if it all worked out really well

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but, obviously, there's that element where it might not.

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It's a big commitment to make and, obviously, with the family

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and everything here, yeah, we'll see.

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So, it's quite exciting, you know.

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It's decision time, really.

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Where the family's destiny lies will depend on the next few days.

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The Suckling's are dad Courtenay,

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mum Helen, Alice who's five,

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Digby, age three, and Henry the dog.

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They live in Poole, near Dorset.

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Originally from New Zealand, it was fate that brought Courtenay

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and British-born Helen together.

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16 years ago while on separate holidays in France,

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the couple had a brief encounter.

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We met in La Rochelle in 1998.

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Exchanged e-mails.

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E-mails had just started then, e-mails had just started.

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On returning to their native countries,

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a tentative courtship began online.

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A few years later, romance blossomed

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when Helen travelled to New Zealand.

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-We met up and...

-In downtown Auckland.

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Downtown Auckland and...

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-We were together then for the six months I was out there.

-Yes.

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And then I went back to the UK.

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Absence really did make the heart grow fonder, and one year later...

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Courtenay rang me up, one winter's night,

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I remember, I was in Balham,

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and he said, "I'm going to get out my English Visa

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"and let's see what happens."

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-And that was 11, 12 years ago.

-12 years ago.

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Then we got married, got a dog

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and then the children,

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and then life just seems to keep moving along.

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12 years on and although settled in the UK, Courtenay still feels

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the pull of home and family.

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I've always wanted or felt a need that

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I should look at the option of going back to New Zealand.

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No-one's getting any younger, and my parents in particular...

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Erm, and I guess I haven't spent much time with them.

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With fond memories of a New Zealand upbringing,

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he believes the couple's children would flourish

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on the other side of the world.

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My childhood, my schooling

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has to do with where I was brought up, which was New Zealand.

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And I think it did give me a really good upbringing.

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But Helen fears Courtenay's dream could be nothing more

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than a false paradise.

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Courtenay very much views New Zealand, I believe,

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with rose tinted spectacles on.

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The thing is with memory, sometimes you just remember the good times.

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I realise that things change over years

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and maybe it's not the same as what I remember, when I was growing up.

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But, at the same time,

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I really do hope that it does work.

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Where their family should spend their future has been

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the subject of discussion in the household for more than a decade.

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We've been talking about the idea of moving to New Zealand for the whole

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time that we've been together now, in England for the last 12 years.

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I guess I've never seen myself not going back.

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And now, Helen accepts she has to consider

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the possibility of following her husband's dream.

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I definitely feel I have the responsibility to explore

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the chance of maybe going out and living in New Zealand.

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But she's not convinced life down under would trump what

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she already has at home.

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Everyone's too keen to say, "Well, why don't you

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"live in New Zealand?", because they think it must be this amazing place.

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And you just think, "But we've got it", you know?

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We've got a really good life here,

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so why would we want to give that up?

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And while moving would see Courtenay reunited with his family,

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it would mean Helen saying goodbye to hers.

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The main thing that's stopping me from going is knowing that

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I've got ageing parents.

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That's really, really not easy because

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you do feel a responsibility for your parents.

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I'm taking their grandchildren away from them

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and you can't get away from that.

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And so, that really does worry me.

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Courtenay knows it's a big ask

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but believes it could be a price worth paying.

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Helen is the only daughter.

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Digby and Alice are the only grandchildren.

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And I couldn't help but feel a little bit of guilt

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for taking Helen and the children back to New Zealand.

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But, at the same time, it has got to be best for us as a whole family.

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The next week will reveal where the Suckling's will call

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home for the rest of their lives.

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It is going to be a very big decision

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and we are going to obviously base our life off this decision.

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There's a lot at stake.

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New Zealand's got to come up with the goods.

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The Sucklings are spending their trial week in Auckland.

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Voted the third most liveable city in the world,

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the "City of Sails", as it's known,

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is centred between two harbours

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and home to a young and diverse population.

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The family's base for the week is this bungalow,

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nestled by Lake Pupuke, on the city's north shore.

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It's close to where Courtenay grew up and Helen also seems at home.

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Well, this is nice.

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This is the open plan living room.

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This is lovely, isn't it?

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You've got the doors to go straight onto a lovely...decking.

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Outside.

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Erm, and this is the back garden?

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This must be the back garden, there's no...

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-So, no grass area?

-No grass area.

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For the... For the kids to play.

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Alice and Digby are making do.

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Look, I can see...

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Hi, there! Are you being good?

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Do you Kiwis not like gardens?

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Is that the problem?

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Used to like it.

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Maybe it's changed.

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Having last lived in the country as a teenager,

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Courtenay's aware the country may not be everything he remembers.

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Although I'm a New Zealander and I love New Zealand

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and everything else,

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we do love our life in the UK as well.

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As night falls, Helen knows how much

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the upcoming week means to her husband.

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He's from here, he's a Kiwi, his family are all here.

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I think he's very proud of his country.

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This is coming home, to him.

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I think in a heartbeat he would say, "Let's move back to New Zealand",

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but he is, I think, also very aware that I have reservations.

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I do want it to work but, at the same time,

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it is really going to be

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a family decision on whether it's going to be the best for all of us.

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This could be the decision, this could be, "Yes, we are going

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"to move", or, "No, we just don't think this would work out for us".

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But whatever decision's going to be made,

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it's not going to be an easy one.

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Back in the UK, Helen is happy with the family's three-bedroom

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bungalow near Poole in Dorset.

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I do love the location of our home.

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We've got great neighbours, great friends around

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and it's just opposite the harbour park.

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The couple would have a healthy £500,000 to spend on property

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down under, and top of the wish list

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is space for Helen's parents to visit.

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Three large bedrooms and a granny annexe would be great.

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And the bare minimum is a decent sized fourth bedroom

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which they could stay in comfortably.

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Somewhere with a decent outdoor space, obviously.

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And not too far out and too remote.

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It's nice to be around other people

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and it's nice to be part of a community.

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Finding the right house down under will be a key factor

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in deciding where the Sucklings spend the rest of their lives.

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To show the family how far their £500,000 would stretch in Auckland,

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we've lined up three properties.

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Two close to their budget

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and a third which could be their dream home.

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The search begins in Takapuna,

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a vibrant seaside suburb just five miles north

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of Auckland's city centre.

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With shops, schools and shore all within walking distance,

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it could be the ideal spot for the Sucklings.

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It's a really nice area. And that's a lovely view, look at that.

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Overlooking Auckland, really, there. It is lovely.

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The setting seems perfect,

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but what will everyone make of this modern four-bedroom house?

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Right, oh, the kitchen.

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It's a lovely kitchen.

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It's a decent size.

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It's not a large kitchen.

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The layout isn't quite as expected.

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Is that quite unusual, to have the kitchen with the living room?

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Cos normally you'd have like a dining room rather than

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a living room.

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-Do you two like this house?

-BOTH: Yes.

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What do you like about the house?

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-The kitchen.

-Do you like the kitchen?

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- I really just like the clock. - It's a nice clock.

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It's a big tick from Alice and Digby so far.

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Oh, this is nice, isn't it?

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This is really nice.

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It's lovely the way it's getting the sun from

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so many different angles, isn't it?

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Yeah, lots of windows.

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-Shall we go and have a look outside?

-Yeah!

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Oh, wow. This is really nice.

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It's lovely, isn't it?

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But something's missing.

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Yet again, there is no grass area.

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Can you imagine living here with Henry

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without having the green grass?

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You know what, I was just thinking of Henry...

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That's the only thing I was thinking, of Henry with no grass.

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Maybe a sign the grass isn't always greener, Courtenay.

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Back indoors...

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-This is nice, isn't it?

-What is that?

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This is a nice, bright bedroom.

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It's a nice, bright bedroom.

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There's a perfect view of the city.

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-Isn't that lovely?

-Look, what's over there. You can see the Sky Tower.

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-Yeah!

-And the city and the sail.

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And the spacious master bedroom's another hit.

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Oh, it's lovely, isn't it? This is a really, really lovely bedroom.

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This is a lot bigger than our bedroom.

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Lovely views out the windows as well.

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Yeah, your nice walk in wardrobe.

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That's what you want. Lovely.

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This house could be bringing Helen round to the idea of Kiwi living.

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No, it's really lovely. Really nice.

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Oh, look at this! This is lovely.

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-Well, the sun's lovely.

-Oh, lovely.

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Wow. Nice view, again.

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The upstairs decking area provides the perfect

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position for a pitch from Courtenay.

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Lovely day.

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It's like this every day here, Helen.

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Another day in paradise.

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Hmm. She's not giving anything away.

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But is this house a piece of heaven they could

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afford on their £500,000 budget?

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So, I think it's going to be around about £550,000.

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I'm going to go 565.

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A bit nervous, so... Yeah, let's have a look.

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-Shall we have a look and turn it over?

-You turn it over.

-Oh...

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-You can turn it over and let's have a look.

-Yeah, I know.

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-Oh, it was quite a surprise.

-You can turn it over and let's have a look.

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I'm quite... I'm quite surprised.

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Turn it over!

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-505,000.

-505.

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That's just £5,000 over budget.

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-OK, so let's...

-Actually, that's surprising.

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I thought it would be more than that.

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I thought in the area, it was probably going to be a bit more,

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-but maybe because of the garden...

-The lack of garden, yeah.

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-So, OK.

-With the price of Auckland houses,

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I think that's encouraging,

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definitely encouraging.

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A move back home for Courtenay could be looking more likely already.

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Property two's in the suburb of Beach Haven.

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Although not quite as upmarket as Takapuna,

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the area does offer the strong sense of community Helen's after.

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With plenty of outdoor space,

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this three-bedroom property could be right up the couple's street.

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Oh, this is nice.

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Oh, wow.

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That's an amazing view, isn't it?

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It's another good start.

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-I can see every house.

-How many houses?

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- Lots! - Lots of houses!

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I can see trees.

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Now, that really is an amazing view.

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Beautiful.

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And it's not just the scenery that's impressive.

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The kitchen goes down well.

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I like this kitchen. I love the flooring.

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I think it's just a bit more character.

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Yeah, it's a love the kitchen.

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And, again, you're constantly looking out over that.

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-Can't help yourself, can you?

-No.

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And the property has panoramic views from nearly every angle.

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This is nice.

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-Wow, that view again.

-Lovely view.

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Helen could be beginning to see things from Courtenay's view.

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Yeah, this is...this is definitely more what I had in mind when you

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think about moving back to New Zealand, to a house in New Zealand.

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-You wouldn't get tired of that.

-No.

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No, OK.

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-Oh! This is lovely, isn't it?

-Beautifully presented.

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-Nicely presented bedroom.

-A beautifully presented bedroom.

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This is amazing. This is the view

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-that you'd...

-Sit in bed and...

-..not bother getting out of bed for.

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Downstairs lies the perfect spot for visitors.

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This is the granny annexe, or self-contained flat.

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It's a really good size, isn't it?

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And it would be perfect for your parents if they came over.

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-Oh, amazing.

-And they could do the gardening while they're here.

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You having a nice time?

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-Are you enjoying playing in the garden?

-Yeah!

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This is all lovely, isn't it?

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Look, you can sit there, catch the sun.

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Oh, yes. That's nice.

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Helen seems smitten.

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Great garden, beautifully done.

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I think it's a fantastic house.

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Could it be sowing seeds of hope for Courtenay's dream?

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Can you see yourself living in this house?

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I think I'd be very happy to live in this house.

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Yeah, I'd... This is a house I'd love to live in.

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Yet again, it's someplace the whole family could call home

0:16:330:16:36

but only if the price falls within their £500,000 budget.

0:16:360:16:40

-Shall we see?

-Shall we have a look?

-Yeah.

0:16:400:16:43

OK, go.

0:16:430:16:44

470,000.

0:16:490:16:51

That's £30,000 under budget

0:16:510:16:54

and Helen's impressed.

0:16:540:16:55

It's affordable.

0:16:550:16:58

You can have a much bigger house, a bigger garden, great views.

0:16:580:17:01

Housing wise, it's far more attractive over here.

0:17:010:17:04

That's, you know, and you can't argue with that.

0:17:040:17:06

-It's a good step in the right direction.

-Yeah.

0:17:060:17:09

Things seem to be affordable for the kind of things that we need.

0:17:090:17:13

The property hunt is off to a good start for Courtenay.

0:17:130:17:16

The family move on to the final viewing of the day,

0:17:180:17:21

a property we think could be their dream home.

0:17:210:17:24

Situated just seven miles from the city centre,

0:17:240:17:27

this spacious five bedroom property is located in Forest Hill,

0:17:270:17:31

one of Auckland's most desirable suburbs.

0:17:310:17:34

Before they're through the doors, Alice spots a bonus.

0:17:340:17:38

-What's it got, Alice?

-A swimming pool!

0:17:380:17:40

-It's got a swimming pool?

-Yeah!

0:17:400:17:43

Alice and Digby are delighted,

0:17:430:17:45

but mum and dad aren't quite as happy with the pool's position.

0:17:450:17:48

It's not exactly like it's a relaxing,

0:17:480:17:50

"Let's chill out by the pool",

0:17:500:17:52

cos that is a busy road, isn't it?

0:17:520:17:54

And you are overlooked by the neighbours. It's not a private pool.

0:17:540:17:58

It's not the best of starts.

0:17:580:18:00

But while indoors does have some redeeming features...

0:18:000:18:03

In you come.

0:18:030:18:05

Oh, this looks nice, doesn't it?

0:18:050:18:08

-All very modern and new, isn't it?

-Oh.

0:18:080:18:11

Oh, isn't it beautiful?

0:18:110:18:13

..it's not long before cracks appear.

0:18:130:18:16

It's quite a small kitchen though.

0:18:160:18:17

Yes, for a family of four this is too small.

0:18:170:18:21

This would be too small, I feel.

0:18:210:18:25

Helen's looking on the bright side.

0:18:250:18:27

-Look, look at that afternoon sun that you're getting in.

-Yeah.

0:18:270:18:30

And maybe the swimming pool is actually more of an aesthetic

0:18:300:18:33

feature to watch rather than get in and use.

0:18:330:18:36

I don't think that'll wash with Courtenay.

0:18:360:18:39

If I'm going to pay for a swimming pool I want to be able to use it.

0:18:390:18:43

I just can't get over the cars going past constantly.

0:18:430:18:48

While the garden has a hidden home...

0:18:480:18:51

Oh, this is an extra single bedroom.

0:18:510:18:53

Oh, wow.

0:18:530:18:54

..it's not exactly to Helen's taste.

0:18:540:18:57

It's not warm and insulated and comfy,

0:18:570:19:00

and it's not part of the rest of the house.

0:19:000:19:02

I'm just looking at the strip lighting there, too. It's just...

0:19:020:19:05

-This is a painted shed.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

0:19:050:19:08

This is what this is, yeah.

0:19:080:19:10

Oh, dear.

0:19:100:19:11

Perhaps the other bedrooms can improve things.

0:19:110:19:15

Right, so this, I guess,

0:19:150:19:18

is one of the main bedrooms.

0:19:180:19:20

-Shower room.

-Yeah, en suite.

0:19:200:19:22

-So, this is definitely the master bedroom.

-Yeah.

0:19:220:19:26

OK.

0:19:260:19:27

The location may be desirable, but for Helen the house is anything but.

0:19:270:19:31

This house is not doing very much from me at all.

0:19:310:19:34

It's just a box.

0:19:340:19:36

-Yeah.

-It's got no character at all.

0:19:360:19:38

Although it may not be perfect,

0:19:380:19:41

the property's pool and position could make it pricey.

0:19:410:19:44

Will this house be within the couple's £500,000 budget?

0:19:440:19:49

If you think about it as a sale point of view,

0:19:490:19:51

it's got five bedrooms,

0:19:510:19:52

-it's got a swimming pool...

-Yeah.

0:19:520:19:54

I think this value is going to be 580,000.

0:19:540:19:58

Erm, I'm going to go for £600,000.

0:19:580:20:00

OK. Right, shall we have a look?

0:20:000:20:02

OK...

0:20:030:20:06

-609.

-Wow.

-So that was one for me.

0:20:060:20:09

-Wow.

-So it's £609,000.

-That's a lot of money for this house, isn't it?

0:20:090:20:13

Yeah, I don't really think it would matter how much money it was,

0:20:130:20:16

I don't - it's not for us.

0:20:160:20:17

-No.

-It's not for us.

0:20:170:20:19

After a positive start,

0:20:190:20:21

the day's ended on a slight downer for Helen and Courtenay.

0:20:210:20:25

Property number 1 offered a piece of paradise

0:20:250:20:27

but the lack of grass was an issue.

0:20:270:20:29

The second house was a hit with everyone -

0:20:290:20:32

and at £30,000 under budget,

0:20:320:20:35

was somewhere the family could afford to call home.

0:20:350:20:38

And although it had all the space they could need,

0:20:380:20:40

the final property left them feeling empty.

0:20:400:20:43

So will the Sucklings choose property at home or away?

0:20:430:20:46

Based on what we've seen today, we are going to vote for...

0:20:460:20:50

UK.

0:20:550:20:56

New Zealand.

0:20:560:20:58

New Zealand!

0:20:580:20:59

Which was your favourite house?

0:20:590:21:00

-I like the one with the swimming pool.

-Yes!

0:21:000:21:03

Swimming pool.

0:21:030:21:05

So why did you choose New Zealand today?

0:21:050:21:08

-I thought the second house in particular...

-Yeah.

0:21:080:21:11

..ticked all the boxes that we wanted from a property.

0:21:110:21:15

I'd actually probably agree with you there but at the moment,

0:21:150:21:18

from what I saw and what you could buy with your money,

0:21:180:21:20

I think we are better off in the UK.

0:21:200:21:22

Despite some appeal,

0:21:290:21:31

Helen wasn't entirely won over by Kiwi properties.

0:21:310:21:35

Courtenay's homecoming hopes may have hit a snag

0:21:350:21:38

but it's early days yet

0:21:380:21:40

and a positive result on the job front could make all the difference.

0:21:400:21:45

Back in the UK, Courtenay runs his own carpentry and building business

0:21:460:21:50

and being his own boss has its perks.

0:21:500:21:53

I do have the flexibility to control my own hours

0:21:530:21:56

and most of my work is within 5, 10 minutes of home.

0:21:560:22:01

Here in the UK, my work/life balance is actually really good.

0:22:010:22:04

He's really fortunate, he only ever works in a very, very small area.

0:22:040:22:08

I'm not sure that he'll definitely be able to find that in New Zealand.

0:22:080:22:11

He's very hopeful that he will - I'm not 100% sure about that.

0:22:110:22:16

Acting head of department Helen enjoys her job

0:22:160:22:19

teaching business studies at a local comprehensive.

0:22:190:22:22

The school that I work for - in, is fantastic.

0:22:220:22:25

Everyone's really friendly, it's a lovely environment,

0:22:250:22:29

it takes a long time to find what I've currently got.

0:22:290:22:33

And for her to be tempted to move,

0:22:330:22:35

New Zealand would have to offer a like-for-like position.

0:22:350:22:39

If you can't have as good a life as you have here at the moment,

0:22:390:22:45

I don't really understand the point in going.

0:22:450:22:49

Everything's riding on today

0:22:510:22:52

if Courtenay's to have a realistic chance of returning home.

0:22:520:22:56

This I guess would be the main teetering point

0:22:560:23:00

because everyone needs money to live and financially if it doesn't work,

0:23:000:23:04

then effectively I guess the dream would be over.

0:23:040:23:07

Courtenay's day gets under way with a visit to a North Shore construction company.

0:23:070:23:12

Hi.

0:23:120:23:13

He's met by joint directors Dedan Percy and Dave Groves.

0:23:130:23:17

-Shall we go upstairs?

-Yeah, thank you.

0:23:170:23:19

Straightaway, there's good news.

0:23:190:23:21

Let's get started.

0:23:210:23:22

-We're just luckily at the start of a boom here in New Zealand...

-OK.

0:23:220:23:26

..so we're avidly looking for site managers and contracts managers.

0:23:260:23:30

It shouldn't be hard to find a job but Courtenay's anxious to hear

0:23:300:23:34

how working hours would compare to back in the UK.

0:23:340:23:37

What's the work/life balance like here in New Zealand?

0:23:370:23:39

Ten years ago, it'd be a lot more of a balance -

0:23:390:23:43

you'd be doing a lot less hours and spending more time on the beach.

0:23:430:23:47

Nowadays, people are working more hours, it is changing.

0:23:470:23:50

With the demands of our projects,

0:23:500:23:52

you're generally working up to 50 hours,

0:23:520:23:56

including your Saturdays if you need to.

0:23:560:23:59

It's not what Courtenay was hoping to hear.

0:23:590:24:02

To explore her work prospects,

0:24:040:24:06

Helen's visiting a local secondary school.

0:24:060:24:10

-Hi, lovely to meet you.

-Hello.

0:24:100:24:11

She meets Brendan Kelly, Senior School Principal.

0:24:110:24:15

At the moment, I'm Acting Head of Social Sciences and Business Studies -

0:24:150:24:19

is that something that would be recognised over here in New Zealand?

0:24:190:24:22

Your experience in the UK would be recognised here

0:24:220:24:25

-and particularly your expertise in the Cambridge system...

-Right.

0:24:250:24:28

-..the GCSEs and the A-levels...

-Yeah.

0:24:280:24:30

-..could be a real plus in your favour.

-Yeah.

0:24:300:24:33

..in terms of winning a position like that.

0:24:330:24:35

Continuing in the role she enjoys so much shouldn't be a problem.

0:24:350:24:39

Like Courtenay though, Helen's keen to discover how her

0:24:390:24:42

working day would pan out in New Zealand.

0:24:420:24:44

So typically in New Zealand, secondary school might start

0:24:440:24:47

-anywhere between 8.20 to, say, 9 o'clock.

-Yeah, right.

0:24:470:24:52

And then might finish anywhere from 3 to 3.30.

0:24:520:24:55

That all sounds very similar to the UK,

0:24:550:24:57

it actually seems to work on a parallel.

0:24:570:25:00

No surprises for Helen so far.

0:25:000:25:03

Back at the construction company, Courtenay's about to find out

0:25:030:25:06

if the increase in hours would be matched by a rise in pay.

0:25:060:25:09

So fresh off the boat you're looking at a package that would

0:25:090:25:12

range between 75,000 and 95,000 dollars

0:25:120:25:16

and once you've got two to three years' experience in New Zealand,

0:25:160:25:21

then you could demand anywhere between 95 and 120,000 dollars.

0:25:210:25:25

95,000 dollars equates to approximately £48,000 a year -

0:25:250:25:31

almost a third more than Courtenay currently earns in the UK.

0:25:310:25:35

And with the construction industry booming, he could be in demand.

0:25:350:25:39

Looking at your experience, we would be seriously

0:25:390:25:42

interested in talking to you if you want to make that big move.

0:25:420:25:44

You come across as a great guy and you seem to be the perfect fit.

0:25:440:25:48

Great, that sounds really positive.

0:25:480:25:50

Although it would mean longer hours, the benefits could be worth it.

0:25:500:25:54

Back with Brendan, Helen's also talking pay.

0:25:540:25:57

So what would the salary be for a head of department

0:25:570:26:01

business studies teacher here at Kristin School?

0:26:010:26:03

You'd expect to be paid in the region between 85 and 90,000 dollars.

0:26:030:26:08

That sounds very similar to the UK.

0:26:080:26:10

If a job became available here, would you consider me?

0:26:100:26:13

Yes, certainly, Helen.

0:26:130:26:14

I think you have got a lot of the characteristics that we look for

0:26:140:26:17

in teachers so I think you could feel really confident

0:26:170:26:19

about applying for a job at a school like Kristin

0:26:190:26:22

and I'll certainly encourage you to do that.

0:26:220:26:24

Right. Thank you very much for seeing me today.

0:26:240:26:26

With such good news at the school,

0:26:260:26:28

Helen could be beginning to see some appeal in Auckland.

0:26:280:26:31

I think today's actually complicated my decision

0:26:310:26:34

because it's been so positive, it's kind of like,

0:26:340:26:37

"well, it could work and this is why it would work,"

0:26:370:26:40

and so, yes, it's now made the decision possibly even harder.

0:26:400:26:43

And the day's also seen Courtenay torn.

0:26:430:26:46

Obviously the salary was higher than what I'd be earning in the UK

0:26:460:26:50

and that's a positive

0:26:500:26:53

but on the other hand

0:26:530:26:54

there is a lot of hours that are going to be put in

0:26:540:26:56

and at the end of the day the family is the main concern for me.

0:26:560:27:00

So when it comes to work,

0:27:000:27:01

will the Sucklings choose New Zealand or the UK?

0:27:010:27:04

We've had a really informative day today

0:27:040:27:06

and based on what we've seen, we are going to vote for...

0:27:060:27:09

-Undecided.

-Undecided.

0:27:150:27:17

What? Why have you done that?

0:27:170:27:19

I really thought you'd have gone for New Zealand.

0:27:190:27:21

-Well everything today was - it was really positive.

-Yeah.

0:27:210:27:24

The only thing I wasn't sure about was the hours

0:27:240:27:27

and the balance that I would get between my work and family life.

0:27:270:27:31

How about you, how come you've gone undecided?

0:27:310:27:33

Well, it's six of one, half a dozen of another.

0:27:330:27:36

I don't think you're any worse off or any better off.

0:27:360:27:38

-I'm quite surprised you've gone for undecided.

-Mmm.

0:27:380:27:41

Longer working hours means Courtenay could now be questioning

0:27:490:27:53

if chasing a dream move home is actually best for his family.

0:27:530:27:58

He's always wanted his children to enjoy the New Zealand upbringing

0:27:580:28:01

he experienced, so will a day out exploring the Kiwi way of life

0:28:010:28:06

help convince everyone the country's where their future should lie?

0:28:060:28:10

Courtenay has cherished childhood memories of skiing

0:28:100:28:14

in the New Zealand mountains

0:28:140:28:16

so the family head off to the next best thing in Auckland -

0:28:160:28:19

an indoor snow resort.

0:28:190:28:21

Whoo!

0:28:210:28:23

Alice and Digby are happy to hit the slopes.

0:28:250:28:28

-Hi.

-Hello.

0:28:330:28:34

And though the snow's artificial,

0:28:340:28:36

the smile on Helen's face is the real deal.

0:28:360:28:39

Are we going to move to New Zealand?

0:28:390:28:41

-We'll have to have a think, won't we?

-Yeah, here we go.

0:28:410:28:43

For Courtenay, seeing Alice and Digby having fun

0:28:450:28:48

is a reminder of why he's been so keen to explore a move home.

0:28:480:28:53

I think the biggest draw for me is that I could offer

0:28:530:28:58

Alice and Digby the same kind of experiences

0:28:580:29:01

that I had when I was growing up.

0:29:010:29:04

And that's a point on which Helen doesn't need to be convinced.

0:29:040:29:07

I think it'd be an amazing place for Alice and Digby to grow up,

0:29:070:29:10

without doubt.

0:29:100:29:11

The whole sports, outdoor lifestyle, being active -

0:29:110:29:16

I think for children it is amazing here in New Zealand, definitely.

0:29:160:29:19

But while she has her concerns...

0:29:190:29:22

I'm worried that I would find it quite difficult

0:29:220:29:25

and I would be lonely.

0:29:250:29:27

A question for me is - can I see myself growing old here?

0:29:270:29:31

Would I want to live here permanently?

0:29:310:29:34

And of that I'm not sure.

0:29:340:29:36

..Courtenay also admits he's wrestling with the thought

0:29:360:29:38

of leaving behind the life he has in the UK.

0:29:380:29:41

The pull on one side would be the family, the outdoor life.

0:29:410:29:46

The pulls to the UK would be security, comfort,

0:29:460:29:49

the life that we're living at the moment - it's a good life.

0:29:490:29:52

I see so many positive bits

0:29:520:29:54

and then so many other bits where I'm a little bit concerned about.

0:29:540:29:57

A devil and an angel, one on each shoulder

0:29:570:29:59

and they're both having a little argument there.

0:29:590:30:02

With the ultimate decision looming,

0:30:020:30:04

where the family will spend their future is anything but clear-cut.

0:30:040:30:07

Based on lifestyle though, will they choose New Zealand or the UK?

0:30:070:30:12

We've had a great day today here in New Zealand looking at lifestyle

0:30:120:30:16

and based on that we are going to vote for...

0:30:160:30:18

-ALL:

-New Zealand!

0:30:240:30:25

-New Zealand!

-New Zealand!

0:30:250:30:28

Why did you choose New Zealand?

0:30:280:30:29

I think cos I think lifestyles are better here.

0:30:290:30:32

And, Alice, how come you voted for New Zealand?

0:30:320:30:36

Because I like the snow place.

0:30:360:30:39

You like the snow place?

0:30:390:30:41

I want to move to New Zealand.

0:30:410:30:44

I think I've always seen what I had when I was growing up

0:30:440:30:48

and maybe what we've seen today is a snippet of it.

0:30:480:30:51

-Maybe you could see what I was talking about.

-Mm-hmm.

0:30:510:30:54

I think it does offer a better lifestyle,

0:30:540:30:57

-especially for the children when they're young.

-Mmm.

0:30:570:30:59

-If you've got the time to enjoy it...

-Mmm.

0:30:590:31:01

..and the disposable income.

0:31:010:31:02

Courtenay's always believed New Zealand could offer

0:31:100:31:12

Alice and Digby a better childhood

0:31:120:31:14

but while Helen looks like she could be coming round to the idea,

0:31:140:31:17

there's still a lot to consider before the family's final decision.

0:31:170:31:22

The day is rounded off spending some time with Courtenay's family

0:31:220:31:26

and for him and Helen

0:31:260:31:27

it's a poignant reminder of what's at stake.

0:31:270:31:31

They are a very close family, you know,

0:31:310:31:33

his three sisters and his parents and all the nieces and nephews -

0:31:330:31:36

that is a big pull.

0:31:360:31:37

And when I come back, it's like I've never left.

0:31:390:31:42

Oh, spending time with Courtenay and Helen, Digby and Alice -

0:31:420:31:46

it's fantastic but it's never enough, you know?

0:31:460:31:48

We're a very close family

0:31:480:31:50

and if Courtenay was here it would just be complete.

0:31:500:31:53

Wherever the couple decide to call home,

0:31:530:31:55

either Helen or Courtenay would be separated from their family.

0:31:550:31:59

There's grandparents in England

0:31:590:32:00

and there's grandparents in New Zealand

0:32:000:32:02

and we couldn't get any further apart.

0:32:020:32:04

While their week so far has shown the couple what they could gain

0:32:110:32:15

from New Zealand, they both still have their concerns.

0:32:150:32:17

All right.

0:32:170:32:19

Will the finances provide any clarity?

0:32:190:32:22

They think their property at home is worth £390,000.

0:32:220:32:26

We sent round two estate agents to see if they're right.

0:32:260:32:30

-Oh, there we are.

-Here we go.

-Yay!

0:32:300:32:32

-Why is that man going to our house?

-He's going in our house, isn't he?

0:32:350:32:39

What a fabulous family room this is,

0:32:400:32:42

with a lovely aspect on to the garden at the rear.

0:32:420:32:45

There's Henry.

0:32:460:32:48

This is a pleasant separate lounge area from the family kitchen-diner.

0:32:490:32:54

Great family room.

0:32:540:32:56

Good-sized master bedroom.

0:32:560:32:58

Nice aspect over the front.

0:32:580:33:01

Oh!

0:33:030:33:04

Great children's bedroom.

0:33:040:33:06

Where's he going?

0:33:080:33:09

Nice, spacious loft bedroom with a big Velux window.

0:33:100:33:15

Me!

0:33:150:33:17

Great decked area,

0:33:170:33:18

forming a nice extension to the lounge with nice family garden.

0:33:180:33:22

I would appraise the property in current market conditions

0:33:220:33:25

in the region of £385,000

0:33:250:33:27

and for a quick sale, £360,000.

0:33:270:33:32

A very well-presented, extended, versatile family chalet.

0:33:320:33:37

Current market value lies around

0:33:370:33:41

£425,000

0:33:410:33:42

and for a quick sale, £400,000.

0:33:420:33:44

That's a huge difference.

0:33:460:33:48

Yeah, that's quite a big spread -

0:33:480:33:49

-the 360 might have been a little bit on the low side.

-Yeah.

0:33:490:33:52

-But it's kind of pretty much what we thought it would be...

-Yeah, yeah.

0:33:520:33:55

-so, yeah.

-That's true, yeah.

0:33:550:33:58

With encouraging valuations, the couple move on to get to grips

0:33:580:34:02

with the finances of life down under.

0:34:020:34:04

Right, shall we have a look?

0:34:040:34:06

We've provided a comparison of the cost of living

0:34:060:34:09

between New Zealand and the UK.

0:34:090:34:11

First up is the weekly supermarket shop.

0:34:110:34:15

Lemons are cheaper. There you go, lemons are cheaper.

0:34:150:34:18

-Probably cos they're in season.

-Yeah.

0:34:180:34:19

Oh, no, end of season - it's winter now, isn't it?

0:34:190:34:22

-And you can grow them here.

-Yeah.

0:34:220:34:24

Brown rolls are double the price.

0:34:240:34:27

Bananas are double the price.

0:34:270:34:28

Wow, most things are double the price.

0:34:280:34:32

So how does the grocery shop add up?

0:34:320:34:34

-...equals £74.

-17 pence...

0:34:340:34:39

-Yep.

-..difference.

0:34:390:34:42

So £74 a week more on grocery bills.

0:34:420:34:46

Mmm.

0:34:460:34:47

That's an extra £300 a month for food alone.

0:34:470:34:51

Moving on to the bigger outgoings,

0:34:510:34:53

the couple's UK mortgage costs them approximately £1,200 a month.

0:34:530:34:58

Basing their figures on the second property they saw...

0:34:580:35:01

Our mortgage in New Zealand would be 1,624...

0:35:010:35:05

-And then that would have a difference of...

-And the difference is...

0:35:050:35:08

-£450.

-£450 a month.

0:35:080:35:12

-OK.

-More expensive for New Zealand.

0:35:120:35:14

-Yeah.

-Wow.

0:35:140:35:16

It's a sizeable increase

0:35:160:35:18

but Courtenay could up his earnings by a third in New Zealand.

0:35:180:35:22

Taking that into account,

0:35:220:35:24

would the couple be better or worse off down under?

0:35:240:35:27

So we would be £470 a month worse off coming to live in New Zealand.

0:35:270:35:34

Yeah.

0:35:340:35:35

-That's a quarter...

-That's a lot of money.

-Yeah, it's -

0:35:350:35:38

-that is a lot of money.

-It's too much.

-That's too much.

0:35:380:35:41

It's a disappointing result for Courtenay.

0:35:410:35:43

We would actually not even be able to afford to live.

0:35:430:35:48

That really is crazy, isn't it?

0:35:480:35:50

But it isn't necessarily the end of the line.

0:35:540:35:57

Do you think it takes New Zealand out as an option?

0:35:570:36:00

No, I don't think it takes New Zealand out.

0:36:000:36:02

-It takes Auckland out, it definitely doesn't take New Zealand out.

-Mmm.

0:36:020:36:06

A life in the country's biggest city might be out

0:36:060:36:09

but does that mean it's a done deal

0:36:090:36:11

choosing between finances in the UK and New Zealand?

0:36:110:36:14

Now that we've had a chance to look

0:36:140:36:16

at the cost of living here in New Zealand,

0:36:160:36:18

we are going to vote for...

0:36:180:36:19

-UK.

-UK.

0:36:260:36:29

-No surprises there, really, is there?

-No.

0:36:290:36:31

-No.

-You couldn't choose New Zealand going on those figures.

0:36:310:36:34

No, no. Not in our situation at the moment.

0:36:340:36:37

No. It just didn't work financially.

0:36:370:36:40

Yeah, it's just a no-brainer really.

0:36:400:36:42

Their week down under has seen Courtenay

0:36:480:36:50

wrestle with the positive and negative points of a return home

0:36:500:36:54

but he may be about to face his biggest stumbling block.

0:36:540:36:58

Helen's concern has always been leaving her relatives in the UK,

0:36:580:37:02

so will a reminder of what she stands to lose back home

0:37:020:37:05

be the final straw for Courtenay's dream?

0:37:050:37:08

The family sit down to watch a DVD of messages from home together.

0:37:080:37:12

I'm quite nervous about this.

0:37:120:37:14

Hello.

0:37:160:37:17

Helen, Courtenay,

0:37:170:37:19

Alice and Digby.

0:37:190:37:21

Hello, Helen, Courtenay, Alice and Digby.

0:37:210:37:24

Hi, Helen, Courtenay, Digby and Alice.

0:37:240:37:26

They pretty much come across as the ideal family.

0:37:260:37:29

They seem to have a really good set-up.

0:37:290:37:31

Courtenay's just very laid-back - must be the style of New Zealand.

0:37:310:37:35

Helen is fabulous, she's one of my best friends.

0:37:360:37:41

She has a great sense of humour.

0:37:410:37:43

She is somebody that I'd ring in a crisis, a great friend to have.

0:37:430:37:47

Alice is very cute and funny and she's also very caring,

0:37:470:37:52

she takes that from her parents, definitely.

0:37:520:37:54

Digby is a smaller brother,

0:37:540:37:57

he looks up to Alice and they get on really well.

0:37:570:38:00

What I love is Alice and Digby coming down in the mornings

0:38:000:38:07

and asking for a story - oh, it's so precious.

0:38:070:38:11

Lovely moments.

0:38:110:38:12

Yeah, I wasn't surprised when Helen told me

0:38:120:38:15

about the potential trip to New Zealand.

0:38:150:38:18

I'm used to having her around!

0:38:180:38:20

And I think if she wasn't around, I would really miss her.

0:38:200:38:23

I would really miss her.

0:38:230:38:24

I won't particularly like it but I will accept it,

0:38:240:38:28

that it is best for them.

0:38:280:38:30

I will miss them all massively.

0:38:320:38:35

We just have a lot of fun together, almost like an extended family.

0:38:350:38:39

Very sad, very sad.

0:38:400:38:42

I'd miss them terribly...

0:38:440:38:46

..and it's only when they decide to go that it will really sink in.

0:38:480:38:52

I would miss you desperately.

0:38:550:38:57

I don't know what I'd do without you

0:38:570:38:59

but if you decide that you're going to go for it

0:38:590:39:01

I will support you all the way.

0:39:010:39:03

I will miss you, especially you, Digby and Alice,

0:39:030:39:05

but for you I think it's a lifetime opportunity and I'd go for it.

0:39:050:39:11

We will miss you massively and our friendship will never change,

0:39:110:39:14

whether you're here or on the other side of the world -

0:39:140:39:16

it doesn't matter.

0:39:160:39:17

It's your decision.

0:39:170:39:19

I will miss you all so terribly.

0:39:200:39:23

Please decide

0:39:260:39:27

to come back to England and stay.

0:39:270:39:30

You can't get away from it.

0:39:390:39:40

There is no, "oh, well, they'll be fine,

0:39:400:39:42

"I think they'll be fine in a year or two."

0:39:420:39:45

Cos I tell you they won't. Do you?

0:39:460:39:50

Alice and Digby mean the world to them

0:39:500:39:53

and there's no right answer to say, "oh, it's all right,

0:39:530:39:57

"they'll get over it," or, "oh, my parents will get over it."

0:39:570:40:00

You can't get away from that and I really do believe

0:40:000:40:03

that somebody along the way is going to lose out.

0:40:030:40:06

Their week down under has shown Courtenay

0:40:090:40:11

that a life in New Zealand may not be the utopia he'd been hoping for.

0:40:110:40:16

Now, with Helen hit hard

0:40:160:40:18

by the thought of leaving loved ones behind in the UK,

0:40:180:40:22

is his dream to move his family to the country he calls home

0:40:220:40:25

over for good?

0:40:250:40:28

Although time spent in New Zealand has had a positive effect on Helen...

0:40:290:40:33

I think it's a beautiful country, it's very impressive.

0:40:330:40:37

..the thought of breaking close bonds in the UK

0:40:370:40:39

means her decision's far from easy.

0:40:390:40:42

If it wasn't, I think, for my parents I think I would say,

0:40:420:40:45

"come on, let's go, let's go and give it a go."

0:40:450:40:47

But my mum actually said, "please don't go,"

0:40:470:40:49

and it would break my mum's heart

0:40:490:40:50

and that's why it can't just be a quick decision, that's for sure.

0:40:500:40:53

But it's perhaps Courtenay who faces the biggest dilemma.

0:40:530:40:57

While a move back home could deliver on several fronts,

0:40:570:41:00

the week's also thrown some curveballs his way.

0:41:000:41:03

It's been a little bit surreal being back here.

0:41:030:41:06

To come back as a parent and a grown-up,

0:41:060:41:09

it gives you a bit of a different perspective on it.

0:41:090:41:11

Yeah, I guess some things have been a bit of a shock.

0:41:110:41:14

As their final vote approaches,

0:41:140:41:15

the couple seem more torn than ever -

0:41:150:41:18

Courtenay over where his family would have a better life

0:41:180:41:21

and Helen over whether to grant her husband's wish.

0:41:210:41:23

I feel completely torn.

0:41:230:41:25

It just seems that, you know, for every positive there's a negative.

0:41:250:41:29

I don't know, is my heart ruling my head or is my head ruling my heart?

0:41:290:41:34

Every half-hour, my mind seems to change.

0:41:340:41:36

We're just caught. Yeah, just caught.

0:41:360:41:38

Can you come back here, please?

0:41:380:41:40

My heart would say move back

0:41:400:41:43

but I've got four hearts to consider, not just my own.

0:41:430:41:47

After years of discussion,

0:41:470:41:49

it's time to discover just where the Suckling family's future lies.

0:41:490:41:53

We've had a great trial week here in New Zealand

0:41:530:41:56

and based on everything we've experienced,

0:41:560:41:58

our final vote is going to go to...

0:41:580:42:01

-UK.

-Undecided.

0:42:070:42:09

Erm, New Zealand!

0:42:090:42:12

-Wow. Here we go.

-Why?

0:42:120:42:14

Based on the information from this week, I had to choose the UK.

0:42:140:42:18

If I was working really long hours and couldn't be at home

0:42:180:42:22

-and we were financially worse off...

-Yeah.

0:42:220:42:25

-..then I couldn't choose New Zealand.

-Yeah.

0:42:250:42:28

Why didn't you vote for the UK?

0:42:280:42:30

I think it would be fantastic for the children to come over here

0:42:300:42:34

and live over here but I think we need to look elsewhere.

0:42:340:42:38

Auckland's not it.

0:42:380:42:40

It's a little bit more tricky, isn't it?

0:42:400:42:43

-It's a little bit more tricky.

-Yeah.

0:42:430:42:45

I'm feeling your disappointment.

0:42:450:42:48

I can feel it, Courtenay, I can feel it.

0:42:480:42:50

As much as my heart wanted to say New Zealand,

0:42:500:42:53

my head won over and said, "it's the UK."

0:42:530:42:56

Unfortunately for Courtenay,

0:43:020:43:04

in the end the figures just didn't stack up in favour of a move

0:43:040:43:08

to New Zealand and it seems that, for a while yet at least,

0:43:080:43:12

the Sucklings will be staying put in the UK.

0:43:120:43:16

We wish them well - whatever their future holds.

0:43:160:43:20

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