Spenceley Family

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0:00:02 > 0:00:05If you held a life long dream to return to the country where you were

0:00:05 > 0:00:09born, how would you convince your husband to follow you, especially

0:00:09 > 0:00:14if moving would mean breaking the close family bonds he has at home?

0:00:15 > 0:00:18Gentle Spenceley is desperate to live in New Zealand...

0:00:18 > 0:00:22I feel like it's more of a home to me than England.

0:00:22 > 0:00:24..but husband Phil doesn't share the dream.

0:00:24 > 0:00:26There's just something that's not quite

0:00:26 > 0:00:28joining all the dots in my head.

0:00:28 > 0:00:30So, when a week down under enables Phil to confront

0:00:30 > 0:00:32practical concerns...

0:00:32 > 0:00:34It's not really achievable, at the moment.

0:00:34 > 0:00:36..and emotional fears...

0:00:36 > 0:00:38You do feel a sense of responsibility towards

0:00:38 > 0:00:42- your parents.- ..will Gentle's life long wish come true or fade forever?

0:00:42 > 0:00:46I'm getting signals that maybe it might not work out for the best.

0:01:08 > 0:01:11Boasting some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth

0:01:11 > 0:01:14and a relaxed way of life, New Zealand has been popular with

0:01:14 > 0:01:18British families seeking a new home since the 19th century.

0:01:18 > 0:01:21Around 9,000 families emigrate their every year,

0:01:21 > 0:01:25seeking their dream lifestyle in a country the same size as the UK

0:01:25 > 0:01:28but with only a quarter of the population.

0:01:28 > 0:01:31Gentle Spenceley left New Zealand with her parents

0:01:31 > 0:01:34when she was only six months old,

0:01:34 > 0:01:38and she's felt cheated out of a life down under ever since.

0:01:38 > 0:01:42Now, she has just one week to persuade her husband Phil to

0:01:42 > 0:01:46give up everything they know in the UK for a new life

0:01:46 > 0:01:48on the other side of the world.

0:01:48 > 0:01:51The family's journey begins with a marathon 24 hour

0:01:51 > 0:01:54flight from London to Auckland via Singapore,

0:01:54 > 0:01:58a trip that's often tricky with a young child in tow.

0:01:58 > 0:02:00- It's long, obviously. - Long, yeah.- Erm, but...

0:02:00 > 0:02:03Harrison did sleep a bit, so...

0:02:03 > 0:02:06Our big concern was that distance with a 20-month-old

0:02:06 > 0:02:08and he was really good.

0:02:08 > 0:02:09With Harrison well behaved,

0:02:09 > 0:02:13Phil had plenty of time in the air to do some serious thinking.

0:02:13 > 0:02:15I'm trying to imagine parents and things doing that journey,

0:02:15 > 0:02:19being in a confined space for 24 hours.

0:02:19 > 0:02:22- You kind of think it is going to be quite hard for them.- Yeah.

0:02:22 > 0:02:26But, Gentle's delighted to be back in the country that holds her heart.

0:02:26 > 0:02:29It feels a bit unreal to be here.

0:02:29 > 0:02:30Yeah, very much so.

0:02:30 > 0:02:33So, there's going to be a really big reality check over

0:02:33 > 0:02:34the next few days.

0:02:34 > 0:02:36At the moment, it feels, you know,

0:02:36 > 0:02:39almost like a holiday that we've just arrived on, but it's

0:02:39 > 0:02:43actually...we've got to get down to business and make some decisions.

0:02:43 > 0:02:46The coming week will be crucial in helping Phil decide

0:02:46 > 0:02:49if he can find the courage to make the move down under.

0:02:52 > 0:02:54Back in the UK, the Spenceleys live in the pretty

0:02:54 > 0:02:57village of Worminghall in Buckinghamshire.

0:02:57 > 0:03:01They're Phil, Gentle and one-year-old Harrison.

0:03:01 > 0:03:03The family have a comfortable life in the countryside

0:03:03 > 0:03:07but Gentle's convinced things would be even better in New Zealand,

0:03:07 > 0:03:09the country where she was born.

0:03:09 > 0:03:12I feel like it would have been great to have grown up there and,

0:03:12 > 0:03:14also, my brother and sister, they lived out there for a while.

0:03:14 > 0:03:18But, when my parents, erm...

0:03:18 > 0:03:20had me they came back to England and they

0:03:20 > 0:03:24stopped travelling, so I feel like I missed out a bit of what they got.

0:03:24 > 0:03:27Husband Phil's been aware of Gentle's dream

0:03:27 > 0:03:28since they got together.

0:03:28 > 0:03:32It's something that I've known right from when we first met.

0:03:32 > 0:03:37When we first me, she was saving up to go travelling in New Zealand.

0:03:37 > 0:03:40After meeting Phil, Gentle spent a gap year in New Zealand which

0:03:40 > 0:03:43only fuelled her longing to return there for good.

0:03:43 > 0:03:46It's very difficult to describe, but when I was out there I very much

0:03:46 > 0:03:48felt like I belonged there

0:03:48 > 0:03:51and that I could quite easily fit into that way of life.

0:03:51 > 0:03:54She came back and I know she was beaming

0:03:54 > 0:03:58and she'd loved her time out there, and she said that she really

0:03:58 > 0:04:02wanted to, one day, live out there and make a go of it.

0:04:02 > 0:04:03Harrison, dinner's ready.

0:04:03 > 0:04:05With Phil in the middle of his studies, it wasn't

0:04:05 > 0:04:08the right time to make Gentle's wish come true.

0:04:08 > 0:04:11But, on tying the knot a few years later, she hoped a honeymoon in

0:04:11 > 0:04:14the country would persuade her new husband it was where

0:04:14 > 0:04:15they should set up home.

0:04:15 > 0:04:19I was hoping to take him out there and show him how amazing it was

0:04:19 > 0:04:21and that he'd fall in love with it and want to

0:04:21 > 0:04:24move straight out there, but it didn't really work like that.

0:04:24 > 0:04:27Three weeks down under failed to convince Phil.

0:04:27 > 0:04:29I was really disappointed and I, you know,

0:04:29 > 0:04:33came back from the holiday feeling...

0:04:34 > 0:04:36..a bit deflated about it.

0:04:36 > 0:04:41I just tried to focus on what we had in England and just think that,

0:04:41 > 0:04:44"Right, OK, one day, maybe. One day..."

0:04:44 > 0:04:47Gentle's dreams were crushed and rather than moving to the

0:04:47 > 0:04:51other side of the world, the couple moved into the English countryside.

0:04:51 > 0:04:54Harrison's birth in 2012 put thoughts of New Zealand

0:04:54 > 0:04:56on the back burner for Gentle,

0:04:56 > 0:05:00but a year later it's ironically Phil who doesn't feel quite at home.

0:05:00 > 0:05:04Although we are happy, I don't ever feel like I fully

0:05:04 > 0:05:07settled in this house and I don't know why.

0:05:07 > 0:05:11There's just something that I've just never felt 100% settled.

0:05:11 > 0:05:14Seizing the moment, Gentle believes now is the time for Phil to

0:05:14 > 0:05:18reconsider New Zealand as somewhere they could all call home.

0:05:18 > 0:05:20The main reason I want to go out to New Zealand is just to

0:05:20 > 0:05:24experience that life out there and experience something different,

0:05:24 > 0:05:26have an adventure

0:05:26 > 0:05:29but also enjoy the Kiwi way of life

0:05:29 > 0:05:31and for Harrison to experience that, as well.

0:05:31 > 0:05:34I think he will really thrive out there.

0:05:34 > 0:05:37But even though Phil's not fully sold on where the family live,

0:05:37 > 0:05:41for him, moving to the other side of the world seems too big a leap.

0:05:41 > 0:05:43Phil and I are a are a bit like chalk and cheese.

0:05:43 > 0:05:47He's very sensible and thinks about things...

0:05:47 > 0:05:51- Harrison.- ..and I'm less sensible and have got a gung-ho attitude.

0:05:51 > 0:05:54If the decision was down to Gentle she'd say,

0:05:54 > 0:05:56"Yeah, let's just sell up and go out there anyway...

0:05:56 > 0:05:57- Yeah.- "..and live life.

0:05:57 > 0:06:00- "What's the worst that can happen?" - Wahey.

0:06:00 > 0:06:04I can't, in my head, imagine how we could just sell up

0:06:04 > 0:06:06and move out there.

0:06:06 > 0:06:08Come on, then. You're going to make a muddy mess.

0:06:08 > 0:06:11Phil fears a move could rob his family of the financial

0:06:11 > 0:06:13stability they have in the UK.

0:06:13 > 0:06:15But he also worries about the affect emigrating would

0:06:15 > 0:06:17have on his parents.

0:06:17 > 0:06:20The idea of taking their only grandson away from them...

0:06:20 > 0:06:22He loves spending time with his Nanny and his Gramps,

0:06:22 > 0:06:26so, that's going to be really difficult, leaving them behind.

0:06:26 > 0:06:29And as much as she's pushing to go, Gentle understands breaking

0:06:29 > 0:06:33the bond Harrison has with her extended family could be hard.

0:06:33 > 0:06:35My mum and dad are really close to Harrison.

0:06:35 > 0:06:37He really enjoys spending time with them.

0:06:37 > 0:06:39- Ba-ba.- Hello.

0:06:39 > 0:06:42And they love him very much and I think it would

0:06:42 > 0:06:45break their hearts, I think, if we did take him so far away.

0:06:45 > 0:06:49But, the emotional cost of moving is a price Gentle's prepared to

0:06:49 > 0:06:53pay, and she fears the consequences if Phil can't be persuaded.

0:06:53 > 0:06:55If Phil decides not to go

0:06:55 > 0:06:59and I really want to go then I would worry that I'd feel resentful.

0:06:59 > 0:07:04I feel like it's more of a home to me, necessarily, than England.

0:07:04 > 0:07:06There is some pressure on me.

0:07:06 > 0:07:09Erm...I don't want to be the person to say,

0:07:09 > 0:07:12"No," to ruin her dream.

0:07:12 > 0:07:15I don't want to be the person to take something that she's

0:07:15 > 0:07:17felt for such a long time away from her.

0:07:17 > 0:07:20- Swing!- Whoo-hoo!

0:07:20 > 0:07:22For as long as she can remember,

0:07:22 > 0:07:25Gentle's been desperate to call New Zealand home.

0:07:25 > 0:07:28Having already failed once, she now has one last chance to

0:07:28 > 0:07:32persuade Phil to overcome his fears and make her dream come true.

0:07:40 > 0:07:43For their trial week down under, the Spenceleys are staying

0:07:43 > 0:07:45in a two bedroom house in Titirangi,

0:07:45 > 0:07:47a small suburb west of Auckland,

0:07:47 > 0:07:51and, straight away, Gentle feels right at home.

0:07:51 > 0:07:53- Wow.- Oh, wow.

0:07:53 > 0:07:56- Wow.- Look at this, Harrison. - What a view.

0:07:56 > 0:07:58Look at that view.

0:07:58 > 0:08:00Can you see the sea?

0:08:00 > 0:08:04Oh, this is beautiful. Oh, look at the fireplace.

0:08:04 > 0:08:06Wow, real logs in there.

0:08:06 > 0:08:08So far, so good.

0:08:08 > 0:08:10Oh, look at the kitchen.

0:08:10 > 0:08:12Wow.

0:08:12 > 0:08:14You're not going to complain about doing washing up.

0:08:14 > 0:08:17- There's a swimming pool.- Wow.

0:08:17 > 0:08:19- GENTLE LAUGHS - Big puddle.

0:08:19 > 0:08:21It's a big puddle, yeah.

0:08:21 > 0:08:24Harrison's happy and he's not the only one.

0:08:24 > 0:08:27- The house is amazing. - It's beautiful.- It's...

0:08:27 > 0:08:29And the views are just something else, it's...

0:08:29 > 0:08:33It's really, really stunning. The views are spectacular.

0:08:33 > 0:08:37It's a promising start and Gentle's excited about the next few days.

0:08:37 > 0:08:40It is a dream I've always had, from when I was younger, so, I think

0:08:40 > 0:08:45it would be really amazing if we could come out here and give it a go.

0:08:45 > 0:08:47But Phil's already feeling anxious.

0:08:47 > 0:08:50I know there's definitely a big part of her that this

0:08:50 > 0:08:52feels like she's coming home, so...

0:08:52 > 0:08:54It kind of feels like, then, at the same time, there's a bit

0:08:54 > 0:08:58of pressure on me and the decisions that...the way I feel about things.

0:08:58 > 0:09:01I suppose what I'm most nervous about is the fact that this

0:09:01 > 0:09:04next week could completely change our lives.

0:09:04 > 0:09:06There's just so many questions unanswered,

0:09:06 > 0:09:09so many unknowns, and...

0:09:11 > 0:09:12..so much riding on it.

0:09:16 > 0:09:18In the UK, the Spenceleys live in a modern,

0:09:18 > 0:09:22three bedroom house in the village of Worminghall in Buckinghamshire.

0:09:22 > 0:09:23Since buying it two years ago,

0:09:23 > 0:09:26they've worked hard to put their stamp on it.

0:09:26 > 0:09:29So, we put everything new in, floors, painted throughout,

0:09:29 > 0:09:33- double glazing, erm...- Kitchen, bathroom.- New kitchen, bathroom.

0:09:33 > 0:09:37It took a little while to get to get done but, yeah, we're happy with it.

0:09:37 > 0:09:39So, what kind of property in New Zealand would make it worth

0:09:39 > 0:09:42giving up the house they've worked so hard to make a home?

0:09:42 > 0:09:46My dream home would be at least three bedrooms,

0:09:46 > 0:09:49I'd really like to have a kitchen/diner.

0:09:49 > 0:09:53To be able to cook and socialise would be lovely.

0:09:53 > 0:09:56To have a garden that isn't, you know, too overlooked.

0:09:56 > 0:10:00And I'd generally agree with Gentle on most of those things.

0:10:00 > 0:10:03I'd probably like a separate living area as well as...

0:10:03 > 0:10:04I wouldn't like everything open plan.

0:10:09 > 0:10:14Phil and Gentle have around £300,000 to spend on a home in New Zealand.

0:10:14 > 0:10:16To find out what their money could buy,

0:10:16 > 0:10:18today we'll show them three properties.

0:10:18 > 0:10:22Two based on budget and a third based on what they really want.

0:10:22 > 0:10:25Only after they've seen each one will they find out its value.

0:10:27 > 0:10:29While Harrison's looked after by a childminder,

0:10:29 > 0:10:33the couple's search starts in the residential suburb of Titirangi.

0:10:33 > 0:10:36With a thriving centre filled with cafes, markets and galleries,

0:10:36 > 0:10:40this areas should offer Gentle the village life she's used to.

0:10:40 > 0:10:43And being just 8 miles from Auckland city centre

0:10:43 > 0:10:45would mean a convenient commute for Phil.

0:10:45 > 0:10:47But will this modern three-bedroom house

0:10:47 > 0:10:50be enough to persuade Phil to make the move?

0:10:50 > 0:10:53Wow! Log burner, as well.

0:10:55 > 0:10:57- Nice.- Really nice. I like the open-plan kitchen.

0:10:58 > 0:11:01I like the white units. Not sure about the blue...

0:11:01 > 0:11:02SHE LAUGHS

0:11:02 > 0:11:05..worktop. But it's only cosmetic.

0:11:05 > 0:11:07Phil's not saying much.

0:11:07 > 0:11:09This just feels like it's one big room.

0:11:09 > 0:11:13Mm, Gentle could have a hard job getting her husband excited.

0:11:13 > 0:11:18- OK.- This is nice.- Bedroom. - Light, spacious.- Big wardrobes.

0:11:18 > 0:11:23Nice view out on to the deck. Wonder if this is the master bedroom?

0:11:23 > 0:11:25Would our bed fit in here?

0:11:25 > 0:11:26THEY LAUGH

0:11:26 > 0:11:27Super King.

0:11:27 > 0:11:30Might be a bit early to be thinking about that, Gentle.

0:11:30 > 0:11:33This is the bathroom. Oh, it's a nice size.

0:11:33 > 0:11:36- Oh, yeah.- Got a walk-in shower and a bath.- Nice.

0:11:36 > 0:11:38- That's an interesting bath, isn't it?- It is.

0:11:38 > 0:11:41- Doesn't look very comfortable! - It's a bit odd.

0:11:42 > 0:11:43But it's nice and stylish.

0:11:43 > 0:11:47Gentle's determined to see the positive in everything.

0:11:47 > 0:11:48Oh, this is nice.

0:11:48 > 0:11:51This must be the master bedroom. Or, I suppose, like a guest...

0:11:52 > 0:11:55- It's probably the master bedroom. - Yeah.- En suite.- Yeah, yeah.

0:11:55 > 0:11:58But if you had guests it might be nice that they have their own suite.

0:11:58 > 0:12:00- But, I suppose, they're not here very often.- No.

0:12:00 > 0:12:01THEY LAUGH

0:12:01 > 0:12:04I really like the little seating area, as well.

0:12:04 > 0:12:07Probably use it as storage with the amount of stuff we've got.

0:12:07 > 0:12:10Is that a little dig at someone, Phil?

0:12:10 > 0:12:12Oh, what's down here?

0:12:12 > 0:12:14Hidden little room. Funny door.

0:12:16 > 0:12:19- This is a nice little bonus space, with a massage table.- Yeah.

0:12:19 > 0:12:23- Massage table. Um... - Don't even get any ideas!

0:12:23 > 0:12:25If it keeps him onside, I wouldn't rule it out.

0:12:25 > 0:12:27I wonder if you could put some plumbing in here,

0:12:27 > 0:12:31whether you could make it into a little annexe for someone staying?

0:12:31 > 0:12:33I don't think it's big enough for that.

0:12:33 > 0:12:36The hidden room might not be large enough for guests,

0:12:36 > 0:12:39but will the garden be a perfect fit for the family?

0:12:39 > 0:12:42- There isn't a huge amount you could really do.- No.

0:12:42 > 0:12:44You'd maybe...put some vegetables out here, or something.

0:12:44 > 0:12:46You could grow some

0:12:46 > 0:12:47- food.- If you want to.

0:12:47 > 0:12:49SHE LAUGHS

0:12:49 > 0:12:50Phil's not impressed.

0:12:50 > 0:12:51- So, this is nice.- Sit out.

0:12:51 > 0:12:54It's nice to be able to eat your dinner outside.

0:12:54 > 0:12:56It's quite private, really.

0:12:56 > 0:12:59You've got the house up there but unless they're out on the balcony

0:12:59 > 0:13:01they're not going to be looking at you.

0:13:01 > 0:13:04Gentle's definitely more sold on this house than Phil.

0:13:04 > 0:13:08But with £300,000 to spend, could the price change his mind?

0:13:08 > 0:13:10So, how much do you think it's worth?

0:13:10 > 0:13:15I reckon it's at the top end of our budget, so maybe £300,000?

0:13:16 > 0:13:18It's the first house, I'm going to be a bit more conservative.

0:13:18 > 0:13:20Maybe 275?

0:13:20 > 0:13:23Time to find out who's right.

0:13:23 > 0:13:26MUSIC: 12 Deaf by Ghostpoet

0:13:30 > 0:13:34- I was pretty close. - You were pretty close.- So, 297,320.

0:13:34 > 0:13:37Obviously, it would have been better if you were right!

0:13:37 > 0:13:39I don't think it's bad value but I was probably looking

0:13:39 > 0:13:43for a little bit more sparkle, or something, to pull me in.

0:13:44 > 0:13:47The house may be on budget, but Phil's not budging.

0:13:47 > 0:13:50If Gentle's to keep her dream on track,

0:13:50 > 0:13:53the next property will need to deliver much more.

0:13:53 > 0:13:55Next stop is the rural village of Swanson,

0:13:55 > 0:13:58a small community just a ten minute drive from the beach.

0:13:58 > 0:14:01With a wide range of outdoors activities nearby,

0:14:01 > 0:14:04the area should appeal to Gentle's sense of adventure.

0:14:04 > 0:14:06But will the house have the wow factor to win Phil over?

0:14:06 > 0:14:09MUSIC: One Way Or Another by Blondie

0:14:09 > 0:14:12- Oh!- OK.- It's like a bungalow.- Yeah. - All one level.- Weatherboard again.

0:14:12 > 0:14:14Hopefully, inside will prove more impressive.

0:14:15 > 0:14:18- Ooh, this is nice and big! - Yeah, that's a good size, isn't it?

0:14:18 > 0:14:20Nice, um, log fire.

0:14:20 > 0:14:23Yeah, you like your log burners but...at the moment

0:14:23 > 0:14:25- I can't see that you're going to need one much.- I know!

0:14:25 > 0:14:27Can't imagine it being cold!

0:14:27 > 0:14:28All good so far,

0:14:28 > 0:14:31and with the separate living areas he prefers

0:14:31 > 0:14:32hopefully the layout of this house

0:14:32 > 0:14:34won't leave Phil hot and bothered.

0:14:34 > 0:14:36- Oh, it's quite big actually.- Yeah.

0:14:36 > 0:14:38- Bigger than it looked like it was going to be.- Wow.

0:14:38 > 0:14:40Got plenty of space.

0:14:41 > 0:14:44- There's a utility room. That's really handy.- Keep that all separate.

0:14:44 > 0:14:48- That's really good, yeah.- They're in agreement now, but not for long.

0:14:48 > 0:14:52I think it needs maybe a bit more work than the last one did.

0:14:52 > 0:14:53Not much, it's just cosmetic.

0:14:53 > 0:14:56Don't know whether I agree with that but I think the kitchen,

0:14:56 > 0:14:59possibly, doesn't suit quite the way that you'd want it to work.

0:14:59 > 0:15:02You haven't got so much of that open space.

0:15:02 > 0:15:03That suits me slightly better.

0:15:03 > 0:15:05It looks like Gentle might be willing

0:15:05 > 0:15:07to compromise on open-plan living.

0:15:07 > 0:15:11And four good-sized bedrooms means there's even more to smile about.

0:15:11 > 0:15:15This place is like a little maze. Oh, my goodness!

0:15:15 > 0:15:17It's like a whole other house!

0:15:17 > 0:15:20- This is the guest suite. - Oh, the guest bit, yeah.

0:15:20 > 0:15:21Master bedroom?

0:15:21 > 0:15:24This must be the master bedroom. It's got a massive en suite!

0:15:24 > 0:15:28- But no storage.- Whoa, it's got a walk-in wardrobe, as well.

0:15:28 > 0:15:31- Ah!- Wow.- That's why there's no storage.- And look...

0:15:31 > 0:15:32SHE LAUGHS

0:15:32 > 0:15:34Light bulb mirror.

0:15:35 > 0:15:36It's like being in a theatre.

0:15:36 > 0:15:39That may be, but hopefully there won't be any drama

0:15:39 > 0:15:41when the couple check out the garden.

0:15:41 > 0:15:43Will it have the space Phil's looking for?

0:15:43 > 0:15:45This is really cute, isn't it? CICADAS CHIRP

0:15:45 > 0:15:47- Bit of room for... - It's a nice area for Harrison to play

0:15:47 > 0:15:51and you've got a little picnic table you could eat at out here.

0:15:51 > 0:15:53So, you've got all the trees and things.

0:15:53 > 0:15:55And, obviously, the cicadas, really...

0:15:55 > 0:15:57The beetles! They're making a lot of noise.

0:15:57 > 0:15:59I really like that noise, though.

0:15:59 > 0:16:00You would, Gentle!

0:16:00 > 0:16:02But I'm not sure even a soundtrack from the beetles

0:16:02 > 0:16:04will cut it with Phil.

0:16:04 > 0:16:08And with £300,000 to spend, is this house even within reach?

0:16:08 > 0:16:11- So, what do you think about the price?- Oh, it's really hard.

0:16:11 > 0:16:12I reckon about...

0:16:13 > 0:16:16- ..£285,000? - I think you're probably right.

0:16:16 > 0:16:18I think it's probably getting that...

0:16:19 > 0:16:20- BOTH:- ..285.- Yeah.- About that.

0:16:21 > 0:16:24Time to turn the card and find out.

0:16:29 > 0:16:32- OK.- OK.- That's more...- £310,000.

0:16:32 > 0:16:35It's a bit more but, then, you are getting a lot more.

0:16:35 > 0:16:38- That's really as much as we'd like to go to, isn't it?- Yeah.

0:16:38 > 0:16:42You'd probably have to spend a bit to get it the way that we'd want it.

0:16:42 > 0:16:43Yeah.

0:16:43 > 0:16:48If Phil can secure a well-paid job, £10,000 may not be a dealbreaker -

0:16:48 > 0:16:52but this property is still far from the couple's perfect house.

0:16:52 > 0:16:55Hopefully it's a case of saving the best for last.

0:16:56 > 0:17:00Gentle and Phil head to what should be the couple's dream house

0:17:00 > 0:17:03situated in the exclusive suburb of West Harbour.

0:17:03 > 0:17:06This property's close to the marina and with good primary schools

0:17:06 > 0:17:08and local amenities nearby,

0:17:08 > 0:17:12this modern four bedroom family home should be a perfect fit.

0:17:12 > 0:17:15- Nice little drive entrance. - Yeah.- OK.

0:17:17 > 0:17:19Ah, OK. Yeah.

0:17:20 > 0:17:23- Oh, wow. This is really nice, isn't it?- Yeah.

0:17:23 > 0:17:26That's a better reaction from Phil.

0:17:26 > 0:17:28Straight through to outside.

0:17:28 > 0:17:31- Nice entertaining area. Barbecue. - Nice big barbie.

0:17:32 > 0:17:34That's a really nice swimming pool, isn't it?

0:17:34 > 0:17:37Could this be the house to encourage him to take the plunge?

0:17:37 > 0:17:40This is the sort of thing that I was thinking of

0:17:40 > 0:17:42when we were looking at properties.

0:17:42 > 0:17:44Realistically, I know that it's probably going

0:17:44 > 0:17:45to be out of our price range.

0:17:45 > 0:17:47He's erring on the side of caution

0:17:47 > 0:17:50but this house could be the one to win Phil over.

0:17:50 > 0:17:53Think the kitchen's all right, it's not really what we'd want

0:17:53 > 0:17:55but the space is nice, isn't it?

0:17:55 > 0:17:59- And you've got enough storage, haven't you?- Yep.

0:17:59 > 0:18:02And, yeah, really like the way you can just watch the big TV.

0:18:02 > 0:18:06- Massive TV.- And I can watch Harrison. Yeah, great.

0:18:06 > 0:18:10But now it's Gentle that starts spotting flaws.

0:18:10 > 0:18:13Bathroom. Walk-in shower.

0:18:14 > 0:18:15It's very angular again.

0:18:15 > 0:18:17Could probably make slightly better use of the space,

0:18:17 > 0:18:20- cos having the bath... - Yeah, it seems a bit awkward.

0:18:20 > 0:18:22..angular across the room means that you've lost

0:18:22 > 0:18:24a lot of space behind it.

0:18:24 > 0:18:26It's not quite to our taste but it's nice enough, isn't it?

0:18:26 > 0:18:29Well, it's modern enough.

0:18:29 > 0:18:33Hopefully the spacious master bedroom will be to both their taste.

0:18:33 > 0:18:34Oh, wow.

0:18:34 > 0:18:35HE LAUGHS

0:18:37 > 0:18:39I like the fact that you've got the step down into it,

0:18:39 > 0:18:40makes it feel more grand!

0:18:41 > 0:18:43Oh! En suite.

0:18:45 > 0:18:48- Walk-in wardrobe.- Oh, walk-in wardrobe. Nice.- Plenty of space.

0:18:48 > 0:18:50This will be all mine.

0:18:50 > 0:18:52THEY LAUGH

0:18:53 > 0:18:57It's nice being able to come out of the bedroom onto this bit again.

0:18:57 > 0:19:00You'd get up in the morning and you wouldn't want to go to work.

0:19:00 > 0:19:02That's a bit reckless for Phil

0:19:02 > 0:19:05but it's a step in the right direction for Gentle

0:19:05 > 0:19:07if he can see himself living here.

0:19:07 > 0:19:12But will that all change when he discovers how much this house costs?

0:19:12 > 0:19:16It's got a lot of floor space. So, I think it's got to be...

0:19:17 > 0:19:22- ..£450,000, upwards.- I think, um, probably about the same.

0:19:29 > 0:19:31£440,000.

0:19:32 > 0:19:36I think that's reasonable for the house. I think it's...

0:19:36 > 0:19:39- Cos the area is really nice. - Really nice area.

0:19:39 > 0:19:43Really nice house, it's got the swimming pool, it's really big.

0:19:43 > 0:19:46But it's not really achievable, at the moment.

0:19:47 > 0:19:51Gentle and Phil's property search has been a real eye-opener.

0:19:51 > 0:19:56Despite being affordable, property one lacked the wow factor for Phil.

0:19:56 > 0:19:59Property number two was more in line with the layout Phil favours,

0:19:59 > 0:20:01but not quite to Gentle's taste.

0:20:01 > 0:20:04But the third property had plenty of appeal for both of them,

0:20:04 > 0:20:09even if achieving it would mean adding £140,000 to their budget.

0:20:09 > 0:20:12So, when it comes to property, have Phil and Gentle

0:20:12 > 0:20:14seen enough to be sold on New Zealand?

0:20:14 > 0:20:18So, based on the properties we've seen today, our vote goes for...

0:20:18 > 0:20:21MUSIC: November by Gabrielle Aplin

0:20:26 > 0:20:27- New Zealand.- Undecided!

0:20:28 > 0:20:31I didn't feel like I could make a decision.

0:20:31 > 0:20:33I think that it's not that much different

0:20:33 > 0:20:36from what you're going to get in England for the same money.

0:20:36 > 0:20:37I was the same as that,

0:20:37 > 0:20:40but that last house kind of swayed it for be a bit

0:20:40 > 0:20:45because it shows the potential of what we could get in the future.

0:20:45 > 0:20:48To get the sort of house that I'd really like is going to be

0:20:48 > 0:20:49quite difficult back home.

0:20:49 > 0:20:52Whereas over here it doesn't seem such a big step up.

0:20:59 > 0:21:01Seeing the properties their money might buy in Auckland

0:21:01 > 0:21:04may have dented Gentle's dream but it may persuade Phil

0:21:04 > 0:21:08New Zealand could be an option for their family's future.

0:21:08 > 0:21:10To afford that dream home, though,

0:21:10 > 0:21:13the pressure's now on for the couple to find well-paid jobs.

0:21:15 > 0:21:19In the UK, Phil earns around £80,000 as a senior software developer.

0:21:19 > 0:21:21Finding a similar job in New Zealand

0:21:21 > 0:21:23has been one of his biggest concerns.

0:21:23 > 0:21:25The ideal role for me would be to get something

0:21:25 > 0:21:29that I do that means I could incorporate one of my hobbies.

0:21:29 > 0:21:32And I spend a bit of time with music technology.

0:21:33 > 0:21:36Something that's got potential career path,

0:21:36 > 0:21:38something that is challenging for me, as well,

0:21:38 > 0:21:41I do like a bit of a technical challenge.

0:21:43 > 0:21:44Gentle's a stay-at-home mum,

0:21:44 > 0:21:48but she's now ready to return to her career as a veterinary nurse.

0:21:48 > 0:21:50I wouldn't want to do full-time, necessarily,

0:21:50 > 0:21:54because I think I would miss looking after Harrison,

0:21:54 > 0:21:56but it would be good to get that sense of independence.

0:21:56 > 0:21:59And also to get to know people out there.

0:22:01 > 0:22:03MUSIC: Bullet by Franz Ferdinand

0:22:07 > 0:22:09Today's going to be vital

0:22:09 > 0:22:12if Gentle's to convince Phil life could be better in New Zealand.

0:22:13 > 0:22:18The whole idea of moving to New Zealand is...about making

0:22:18 > 0:22:20the right choices for the family.

0:22:20 > 0:22:23And part of that, whether we like it or not, comes down to money.

0:22:23 > 0:22:27We've got a good life back home so we don't want to impact that

0:22:27 > 0:22:29and make ourselves worse off coming here.

0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Hey, you must be Phil.- Hi. Yeah, pleased to meet you.

0:22:31 > 0:22:33Good to meet you. Come on, I'll show you around.

0:22:33 > 0:22:36Phil would love to combine his work with his passion for music

0:22:36 > 0:22:39so we've arranged for him to visit a music software company

0:22:39 > 0:22:42where he meets senior developer Young Ly.

0:22:42 > 0:22:45Based on my skills and experience, do you think I would be able to work

0:22:45 > 0:22:47for a music software development company?

0:22:47 > 0:22:50Music software development is very, very specific.

0:22:50 > 0:22:54Um, and your professional experience doesn't really match what we do

0:22:54 > 0:22:57but it sounds like you've got some good computer science fundamentals.

0:22:57 > 0:23:00So, if you were willing to learn from the beginning

0:23:00 > 0:23:02then you could look at one of the entry jobs.

0:23:02 > 0:23:06Starting a new career in music software would mean a junior job

0:23:06 > 0:23:07and a smaller salary.

0:23:07 > 0:23:13In New Zealand graduates out of uni get about NZ50,000 to 60,000 .

0:23:13 > 0:23:17Intermediate people get about 80,000.

0:23:17 > 0:23:21And senior developers usually get between 90,000 and 110,000.

0:23:23 > 0:23:26And that's about £30,000 if Phil started at the bottom.

0:23:26 > 0:23:29Less than half what he earns in the UK,

0:23:29 > 0:23:31meaning Gentle would definitely need to return

0:23:31 > 0:23:33to veterinary nursing in New Zealand.

0:23:33 > 0:23:37While Harrison's looked after by a childminder,

0:23:37 > 0:23:39we've arranged for her to meet Dr Garry Cozens

0:23:39 > 0:23:42at a small clinic in Henderson Valley.

0:23:42 > 0:23:44- Hello!- Hi. Gentle?- I'm Gentle. - Nice to meet you.

0:23:44 > 0:23:47- Thank you, nice to meet you, too! - So, you like our clinic?

0:23:47 > 0:23:49Yeah, it looks really good.

0:23:49 > 0:23:51Knowing Gentle's a bit out of practice,

0:23:51 > 0:23:54Dr Cozen's keen to put her rapport with animals to the test.

0:23:54 > 0:23:56Hello, you!

0:23:57 > 0:23:59- It's a big puppy!- He is!

0:23:59 > 0:24:03- Hello, gorgeous!- He's a bit excitable!- Yeah, you look excited.

0:24:03 > 0:24:08- This is Kelly.- Hello Kelly.- That's a good response, he liked you.

0:24:08 > 0:24:12Passing with flying colours, Gentle's ready to talk business.

0:24:12 > 0:24:14Is there a high demand for nurses over here

0:24:14 > 0:24:16or is it quite difficult to get a job?

0:24:16 > 0:24:20It's actually, um...quite a sought after job.

0:24:20 > 0:24:23- Jobs come up and disappear very quickly.- Right, OK.

0:24:23 > 0:24:26Sometimes it's who you know, but putting your face

0:24:26 > 0:24:29in front of people and dropping off CVs is well worthwhile.

0:24:29 > 0:24:32Finding a job might take some work,

0:24:32 > 0:24:36and even then the hours may not mean much time with Harrison.

0:24:36 > 0:24:41We basically work 8.30 to 6.30 and 9 to 12 on Saturday.

0:24:41 > 0:24:45Some of the clinics would be open over the weekends longer hours...

0:24:46 > 0:24:51..and, obviously, out of town you've got rural practices

0:24:51 > 0:24:53- which would have after hours components to them.- OK.

0:24:53 > 0:24:57Gentle sounds happy enough but will the salary be as pleasing?

0:24:57 > 0:25:00How much would you be likely to earn part-time?

0:25:00 > 0:25:04Well, it works on an hourly rate of about NZ15 an hour.

0:25:04 > 0:25:06That's less than Gentle would earn in the UK

0:25:06 > 0:25:08but is that enough to put her off?

0:25:08 > 0:25:11I think I could get over a lower salary

0:25:11 > 0:25:16but it just depends on cost of living and childcare and stuff as to whether

0:25:16 > 0:25:20we could afford to move out here and for me to do a job like that.

0:25:21 > 0:25:24Childcare costs could prove key.

0:25:24 > 0:25:26Meanwhile, Phil's hung up his headphones

0:25:26 > 0:25:28to check out other software opportunities.

0:25:28 > 0:25:30He meets Kara Smith,

0:25:30 > 0:25:33a specialist from an international recruitment agency.

0:25:33 > 0:25:36Is there much in the way of opportunities, at the moment?

0:25:36 > 0:25:37Definitely.

0:25:37 > 0:25:39You'll probably be happy to know that senior software developers

0:25:39 > 0:25:43are quite in demand and one of the hardest to find skill sets.

0:25:43 > 0:25:46That really is music to Phil's ears.

0:25:46 > 0:25:48Can you tell me a bit about the work/life balance?

0:25:48 > 0:25:51I really think that a lot of organisations acknowledge

0:25:51 > 0:25:53the fact that the reason that people come to New Zealand

0:25:53 > 0:25:55is that work/life balance, as well.

0:25:55 > 0:25:58So, whilst we're very hardworking,

0:25:58 > 0:26:01we're probably not as relaxed as the world would paint us out to be,

0:26:01 > 0:26:05I certainly have a lot of friends and colleagues that are British

0:26:05 > 0:26:09and that say that the way of life here is very nice.

0:26:09 > 0:26:11Providing financial stability for his family

0:26:11 > 0:26:14has always been one of Phil's biggest concerns,

0:26:14 > 0:26:17so discovering if he could earn a good salary is essential.

0:26:17 > 0:26:20So, we'd typically see a salary range of between,

0:26:20 > 0:26:21for a senior software developer,

0:26:21 > 0:26:27- between NZ90,000 and 110,000 per annum, as a base salary.- OK.

0:26:27 > 0:26:29We're certainly seeing pressure on salaries upwards,

0:26:29 > 0:26:31because they have to, to keep hold of the talent.

0:26:31 > 0:26:34OK, so there's a potential for things to go up in the future?

0:26:34 > 0:26:35Potential.

0:26:37 > 0:26:40That's a much more positive outcome for Phil.

0:26:40 > 0:26:41With his fact-finding mission over,

0:26:41 > 0:26:44he joins Gentle and Harrison in the park.

0:26:44 > 0:26:45But how will their day impact

0:26:45 > 0:26:49when it comes to choosing between work in the UK and New Zealand?

0:26:49 > 0:26:51MUSIC: Love Me Again by John Newman

0:26:56 > 0:26:57- New Zealand.- UK.

0:27:00 > 0:27:03I felt like I had to vote for England, in a practical sense,

0:27:03 > 0:27:05because there's more demand for nurses out there,

0:27:05 > 0:27:07they get paid more out there.

0:27:07 > 0:27:10But it doesn't mean that I'd rather work in England than New Zealand.

0:27:10 > 0:27:13And I voted New Zealand because the market's really good over here

0:27:13 > 0:27:16at the moment, and so there's a lot of demand

0:27:16 > 0:27:18for somebody with my skills.

0:27:18 > 0:27:20I'm glad that you feel that way.

0:27:24 > 0:27:28Their week back in New Zealand has delivered several surprises

0:27:28 > 0:27:32for Gentle, and it could now be Phil who favours the move.

0:27:32 > 0:27:35Will a day exploring the Kiwi lifestyle help remind Gentle

0:27:35 > 0:27:39why she's held on to her lifelong ambition to move home?

0:27:41 > 0:27:45Making the most of the mild Kiwi climate, the family indulge

0:27:45 > 0:27:49their love of the countryside with a trip to the Arataki Visitor Centre.

0:27:50 > 0:27:52- Hello, how are you? - Yeah, good, thank you.

0:27:52 > 0:27:54You just looking to do a walk?

0:27:56 > 0:27:59With over 16,000 hectares of native rainforest and coastline,

0:27:59 > 0:28:03this should be the perfect place to put Gentle back on track

0:28:03 > 0:28:07and convince Phil that New Zealand is somewhere he could feel settled.

0:28:08 > 0:28:13I still want to come out here, but I am also getting some signals

0:28:13 > 0:28:17that, maybe, it might not work out for the best.

0:28:17 > 0:28:19I'm really struggling to picture us here,

0:28:19 > 0:28:22and what it would be like, how we'd fit into the lifestyle.

0:28:22 > 0:28:25I can't put my finger on why, I just...

0:28:25 > 0:28:29I don't know, there's just something that's not quite joining

0:28:29 > 0:28:30all the dots in my head.

0:28:30 > 0:28:33- Very pretty, isn't it?- Wet!

0:28:33 > 0:28:36Wet! It's very wet out there, isn't it?

0:28:36 > 0:28:39- Let's see what else there is, shall we?- Fortunately, it doesn't take

0:28:39 > 0:28:41long for the Kiwi countryside to work some magic.

0:28:44 > 0:28:48- Good boy.- It's really nice up here. - Yeah, it's really pretty.

0:28:48 > 0:28:52- It's a nice place to come, isn't it? - Yes.- And it's got a number of

0:28:52 > 0:28:55different walks, so, depending on how much time you've got,

0:28:55 > 0:28:56you can do different things.

0:28:56 > 0:29:00But stopping to reflect on what New Zealand could offer also sees

0:29:00 > 0:29:01doubts raised.

0:29:01 > 0:29:03I'm feeling maybe a little bit of pressure,

0:29:03 > 0:29:06after I've slept on things, because the job just didn't go

0:29:06 > 0:29:11- quite so well for you yesterday and...did go from me, so...- Yeah.

0:29:11 > 0:29:15- It feels like it's a little bit... - Pressure?- ..all down to me.

0:29:15 > 0:29:18I know, and I feel really bad that, you know, your dream job,

0:29:18 > 0:29:20you might not be able to afford to be able to take,

0:29:20 > 0:29:23because I can't earn as much as I need to, so...

0:29:24 > 0:29:25That's really difficult.

0:29:25 > 0:29:28- Hello!- Hiya!

0:29:30 > 0:29:33Gentle and Phil's return to New Zealand has shown

0:29:33 > 0:29:35that the country may not be everything Gentle had hoped for,

0:29:35 > 0:29:38but Phil has seen some upsides.

0:29:38 > 0:29:42It's lovely to spend time with the family.

0:29:42 > 0:29:44That's the ideal thing.

0:29:44 > 0:29:48Everybody's dream would be to not have to work, to be able to come

0:29:48 > 0:29:50out here and just live that lifestyle all the time.

0:29:50 > 0:29:53It's a good sentiment to end the day on,

0:29:53 > 0:29:55so, when it comes to choosing between their lifestyle in the UK

0:29:55 > 0:29:57and what they could have in

0:29:57 > 0:29:59New Zealand, how will the couple vote?

0:29:59 > 0:30:02So, we've had a fun-filled day here in New Zealand and now we're going to

0:30:02 > 0:30:05make a choice between English lifestyle or New Zealand lifestyle.

0:30:11 > 0:30:14BOTH: New Zealand.

0:30:14 > 0:30:17Wow, we got something the same!

0:30:17 > 0:30:19I suppose, difficult not to, after this morning.

0:30:19 > 0:30:22The views from up at the reserve where amazing

0:30:22 > 0:30:25and just..being in the rainforest like that,

0:30:25 > 0:30:28it's not quite the sort of thing that you get back home.

0:30:28 > 0:30:30Things to do outside are lovely in England

0:30:30 > 0:30:32and it is a beautiful country,

0:30:32 > 0:30:36but you don't necessarily get as many chances to, with the weather.

0:30:36 > 0:30:39And I think, as well, it's just something different out here that

0:30:39 > 0:30:42you haven't experienced before, so it's all new and fresh and exciting.

0:30:47 > 0:30:51Gentle's potentially lower earnings in New Zealand could mean

0:30:51 > 0:30:55the couple's finances would be under pressure if they made the move.

0:30:55 > 0:30:58Hello. Good to meet you. Hi, Harrison.

0:30:58 > 0:31:01Any increase in income from Gentle's return to work could be

0:31:01 > 0:31:04outweighed by the price of childcare.

0:31:04 > 0:31:05To check out costs of facilities,

0:31:05 > 0:31:08they meet centre manager Minnie at a local creche.

0:31:08 > 0:31:11We'll let you bring into the centres, if he's still on formula,

0:31:11 > 0:31:13- he brings the formula and nappies.- OK.

0:31:13 > 0:31:17- But otherwise we take a little breakfast in the morning.- OK, yeah.

0:31:17 > 0:31:19Lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack.

0:31:19 > 0:31:22So, most of the babies arrive around 7:30 in the morning

0:31:22 > 0:31:24and they are here till the end of the day.

0:31:24 > 0:31:28Harrison looks at home, but Gentle has a few questions.

0:31:28 > 0:31:30So, I was just wondering how you try to settle them in?

0:31:30 > 0:31:34We kind of take whatever you give us. We keep to that routine

0:31:34 > 0:31:38until Harrison feels comfortable to fall into our routine.

0:31:38 > 0:31:40Gentle's happy with the standard of care offered,

0:31:40 > 0:31:43but will the cost mean a return to work is not an option?

0:31:43 > 0:31:47When he is under two, it's 55 a day,

0:31:47 > 0:31:52- and when he becomes three, it becomes 35 a day.- OK.

0:31:52 > 0:31:55That's around half of what Gentle would pay in the UK,

0:31:55 > 0:31:57so, working here could be more of an option.

0:31:57 > 0:32:02Finding out I was going to be earning less obviously did concern me,

0:32:02 > 0:32:03but if the cost of childcare

0:32:03 > 0:32:05is less, then it might work out.

0:32:05 > 0:32:07So, yeah, it's really good news.

0:32:13 > 0:32:16Gentle's dream to return to the country where she was born

0:32:16 > 0:32:18could be back on track.

0:32:18 > 0:32:21But, the couple have been down this road before and Gentle knows

0:32:21 > 0:32:24if she can't prove to Phil the move is financially feasible,

0:32:24 > 0:32:26they won't be going anywhere.

0:32:26 > 0:32:30The couple estimate they could get £300,000 for their property

0:32:30 > 0:32:32in the UK, so we sent round two estate agents

0:32:32 > 0:32:34to see if they would agree.

0:32:35 > 0:32:38- Looks really weird on the TV. - It's very odd.

0:32:39 > 0:32:42Sitting/dining room, decorated very nicely.

0:32:43 > 0:32:47Brilliant-sized kitchen. It looks like it's been recently fitted.

0:32:47 > 0:32:49Good-sized master bedroom.

0:32:49 > 0:32:52It's a lovely scene to wake up to in the morning.

0:32:52 > 0:32:54Love the walk-in shower.

0:32:54 > 0:32:57His and hers sinks. Really, really nice room.

0:32:57 > 0:32:59- OK, we have a cloakroom. - No, the cats' room.

0:32:59 > 0:33:04Good space, and I think it's also the cats' home.

0:33:04 > 0:33:06Oh, Jack and James!

0:33:06 > 0:33:11- Fantastic size rear garden there. - It's a lot nicer in summer.

0:33:11 > 0:33:15In the current market, I would value this property at £275,000.

0:33:15 > 0:33:20For a quick sale, I would value it at £270,000.

0:33:20 > 0:33:22In the current market,

0:33:22 > 0:33:25I would value this property at £275,000

0:33:25 > 0:33:29and for a quick sale I would put it on the market at £250,000.

0:33:30 > 0:33:33I struggle to see how it could be quite that low,

0:33:33 > 0:33:35especially 250,000.

0:33:35 > 0:33:39Based on those valuations, I think we would struggle a bit, wouldn't we?

0:33:39 > 0:33:43- We wouldn't want to sell for that price.- No.

0:33:43 > 0:33:47Not for the effort that we've put into the house. We'd be at a loss.

0:33:47 > 0:33:49It's less the less than the couple were expecting,

0:33:49 > 0:33:52so it's definitely not the best start for Phil.

0:33:52 > 0:33:56I've got to make sure that I can provide security and everything

0:33:56 > 0:34:01that my family want and need, and so, the numbers are important.

0:34:01 > 0:34:04To help see how finances would stack up down under, we've prepared

0:34:04 > 0:34:08a cost of living comparison, starting with the weekly shop.

0:34:08 > 0:34:12- OK...- A quick flick down most things, it's a bit more expensive over here.

0:34:12 > 0:34:14Whole milk is a big jump up.

0:34:14 > 0:34:17- It's almost twice as much, from £2 to...- It's more than twice as much.

0:34:17 > 0:34:19Cor, satsumas are nearly three times the price.

0:34:19 > 0:34:22With food generally costing more, the figures soon add up.

0:34:22 > 0:34:27£38.45 a week worse off here, in New Zealand.

0:34:27 > 0:34:30Well, I thought it would be worse than that, to be honest.

0:34:30 > 0:34:32So, that's not too bad.

0:34:32 > 0:34:36£160 more at the supermarket won't break the bank,

0:34:36 > 0:34:40but Phil won't rest easy until he works out the bigger outgoings.

0:34:40 > 0:34:41To help get an accurate picture,

0:34:41 > 0:34:45the couple base mortgage repayments on the first property they viewed.

0:34:45 > 0:34:49The mortgage is almost the same as it is back home.

0:34:49 > 0:34:51- I thought it would be more, yeah.- Electricity?

0:34:51 > 0:34:54It's £50 cheaper over here, that's good.

0:34:54 > 0:34:59Childcare. That's a cost that we haven't got it in the UK.

0:34:59 > 0:35:02But its £312 for the month for childcare.

0:35:02 > 0:35:05A night out at the cinema, it looks like it's a bit cheaper.

0:35:05 > 0:35:09You having your hair done, twice the price.

0:35:09 > 0:35:13- Yeah, well, I don't get it done very often, so...- Well, you'd have to get it done even less.

0:35:13 > 0:35:16Phil's playing hardball, as the couple add up how their

0:35:16 > 0:35:19overall outgoings in New Zealand would compare

0:35:19 > 0:35:20to what they spend in the UK.

0:35:20 > 0:35:23Total outgoings in New Zealand,

0:35:23 > 0:35:27£3,081, so that works out at...

0:35:28 > 0:35:33- £279 a month better off, so... - Yeah, that's good, isn't it?

0:35:33 > 0:35:35It's just really surprising, yeah.

0:35:35 > 0:35:39Gentle's delighted. The couple would be spending less each month

0:35:39 > 0:35:41down under, but how would their potential salaries

0:35:41 > 0:35:42affect the figures?

0:35:42 > 0:35:46Based on the other jobs that I might be able to get,

0:35:46 > 0:35:49for, up to 110,000,

0:35:49 > 0:35:53that works out at £260 a month better off

0:35:53 > 0:35:55here in New Zealand.

0:35:55 > 0:35:58That's with you working and with Harrison in childcare.

0:35:58 > 0:36:02Across a year, that would be just over £3,000 a year better off, so...

0:36:02 > 0:36:05- Yeah.- That might cover a flight home.

0:36:05 > 0:36:07Knowing they'll be in the black should make Phil's decision

0:36:07 > 0:36:10much easier when it comes to voting for finances

0:36:10 > 0:36:12in the UK or New Zealand.

0:36:12 > 0:36:14So, we've been doing some calculations and, based on

0:36:14 > 0:36:18the cost of living here in New Zealand, we're going to make a vote.

0:36:24 > 0:36:26- New Zealand.- Undecided.

0:36:26 > 0:36:30We are £3,000 a year better off over here,

0:36:30 > 0:36:34but that would be with you working and I can't work out in my head

0:36:34 > 0:36:39whether it's the right thing for you to do, to go and work and only

0:36:39 > 0:36:42be that much better off, or, I don't know. I just feel like...

0:36:42 > 0:36:46I can understand that, but I want to go back to work anyway.

0:36:46 > 0:36:49At least it wasn't, you know, negative.

0:36:54 > 0:36:56Phil's indecision is a blow for Gentle.

0:36:56 > 0:36:58Despite the figures working in their favour,

0:36:58 > 0:37:01he could be losing faith in his wife's belief they could have a

0:37:01 > 0:37:05better life down under, and his biggest hurdle is yet to come.

0:37:05 > 0:37:08He's always been concerned about the effect a move

0:37:08 > 0:37:09would have on his parents.

0:37:09 > 0:37:12While Harrison takes a nap, the couple settle down to watch

0:37:12 > 0:37:15messages from friends and family back in the UK.

0:37:15 > 0:37:19- Hi, guys.- Hi, Gentle. Hi, Harrison, hi, Phil.

0:37:19 > 0:37:21Hope you've had a great week.

0:37:21 > 0:37:24They're a lovely little family.

0:37:24 > 0:37:27- Gentle and Phil would do everything for Harrison.- She's very daring.

0:37:27 > 0:37:29She likes to get into the action.

0:37:30 > 0:37:32She's really lovely.

0:37:32 > 0:37:34Well, we love him very much.

0:37:34 > 0:37:39He's a kind, loving person and he tries to help us when he can.

0:37:39 > 0:37:41I was ill and he helped me, he came home.

0:37:41 > 0:37:44He came out of uni to come home and help her.

0:37:45 > 0:37:49Oh, Harrison is gorgeous. He's just adorable.

0:37:49 > 0:37:52He's very attached to us, for some reason or other.

0:37:52 > 0:37:57I think I'd really miss you and I would like you to stay, but I think

0:37:57 > 0:38:01that you should go and do what you want to do, so, go to New Zealand.

0:38:01 > 0:38:03Go to New Zealand.

0:38:03 > 0:38:07Obviously quite sad at the thought that they might really do it.

0:38:07 > 0:38:11We'd both be both be pleased for them, pretty upset for ourselves,

0:38:11 > 0:38:16- as it were.- I'm going to cry. - Don't do that.

0:38:16 > 0:38:17We don't want them to go.

0:38:20 > 0:38:23But, if they've got to go, they must.

0:38:23 > 0:38:27And, whatever they decide, we're 100% behind them.

0:38:32 > 0:38:33- HE CRIES - Aw...

0:38:38 > 0:38:41You going to New Zealand will leave a big hole in my heart,

0:38:41 > 0:38:46but I know, whatever decision you make, it will be the right decision.

0:38:47 > 0:38:53Don't really consider us, just get on with it and make the best of it.

0:38:53 > 0:38:56Make every moment count, we love you, wherever you are in the world.

0:38:57 > 0:39:01- We will miss you. - We will miss you so much.

0:39:01 > 0:39:03See you when you get back, my love.

0:39:03 > 0:39:05Bye, love you all.

0:39:09 > 0:39:14- Oh, you all right?- Yeah.- It's a bit unusual, seeing Martin cry, isn't it?

0:39:14 > 0:39:19Definitely. It's hard to see my parents getting upset like that.

0:39:20 > 0:39:23It's a difficult move, a difficult decision to make.

0:39:23 > 0:39:25It's just so far away, isn't it?

0:39:25 > 0:39:28You do feel a sense of responsibility towards your parents,

0:39:28 > 0:39:31they've looked after you all your life and when they start to

0:39:31 > 0:39:34get older, you want to be there to help them out.

0:39:37 > 0:39:41Seeing his parents so upset was an emotional blow for Phil,

0:39:41 > 0:39:45who now faces the decision he's been dreading.

0:39:45 > 0:39:48Choosing to make his wife's long-held Kiwi dream come true,

0:39:48 > 0:39:51will mean devastating his family back home.

0:39:55 > 0:39:58For as long as she can remember, Gentle has longed to

0:39:58 > 0:40:02return to the country she left as a baby and she is convinced

0:40:02 > 0:40:06the country would be the best place to bring up her son.

0:40:06 > 0:40:09I think New Zealand could offer Harrison a brilliant life.

0:40:09 > 0:40:13It seems like they're focused on outdoor, free fun.

0:40:13 > 0:40:16I think it's a fantastic country for a child to grow up in,

0:40:16 > 0:40:17it's beautiful.

0:40:19 > 0:40:22And that's the sentiment she may have now persuaded Phil to share.

0:40:22 > 0:40:26I can really see him fitting in and just getting into life over here.

0:40:26 > 0:40:29But, although it's been her lifelong dream,

0:40:29 > 0:40:32their week down under has shown Gentle New Zealand wouldn't

0:40:32 > 0:40:35necessarily deliver everything she'd been hoping for.

0:40:35 > 0:40:37Before we came out here, I kind of thought, either way,

0:40:37 > 0:40:39I'd want to give it a go.

0:40:39 > 0:40:42So, OK, it's good to get answers to questions,

0:40:42 > 0:40:44but I'm going to feel the same.

0:40:44 > 0:40:47Whereas coming out here and finding some answers to questions has

0:40:47 > 0:40:50left me a little bit confused, which I didn't expect.

0:40:50 > 0:40:53And while the financial risks of the move may have lessened for Phil,

0:40:53 > 0:40:57the emotional costs involved are still weighing on his mind.

0:40:57 > 0:41:01Before we came out, I was definitely more conservative

0:41:01 > 0:41:06and reserved about just jumping in to such a big move.

0:41:06 > 0:41:09A lot of it, in my head, is about financials,

0:41:09 > 0:41:11those are concerns that are still there, but I think, maybe,

0:41:11 > 0:41:15I'm starting to think, especially after the friends and family,

0:41:15 > 0:41:17a bit more about the emotional side

0:41:17 > 0:41:19of what it would be like leaving people behind.

0:41:19 > 0:41:21But, at the same time,

0:41:21 > 0:41:24he knows just how much Gentle's dream has meant to her.

0:41:24 > 0:41:27I definitely think there's been a certain amount of pressure on me

0:41:27 > 0:41:28this week.

0:41:29 > 0:41:33The decision that I make affects her dream.

0:41:33 > 0:41:37If I was to say no, and be the one to put an end to her dream,

0:41:37 > 0:41:41there were definitely be a certain sense of guilt on my part.

0:41:41 > 0:41:45As their final decision approaches, Gentle knows how much is at stake.

0:41:45 > 0:41:49It's one of the biggest decisions we've ever had to make as a family,

0:41:49 > 0:41:50so, it's a very big deal.

0:41:50 > 0:41:55Either way we vote, it will change the course of our lives.

0:41:55 > 0:41:59After decades of dreaming, it's time to see if Gentle will follow her

0:41:59 > 0:42:04heart and if Phil has been persuaded to uproot from his family at home.

0:42:04 > 0:42:07So, we've had a great time here in New Zealand finding answers

0:42:07 > 0:42:09to our questions.

0:42:09 > 0:42:10Our final vote goes towards...

0:42:21 > 0:42:23BOTH: New Zealand.

0:42:23 > 0:42:26I didn't know right up until it was kind of...

0:42:26 > 0:42:30uncertain, but, when I think about the potential out here

0:42:30 > 0:42:34and the potential for Harrison, I think, yeah, let's give it a go.

0:42:34 > 0:42:36As you say, it's better to regret the things you do than

0:42:36 > 0:42:39the things you don't, so, yeah...

0:42:39 > 0:42:43- Let's be brave! - Oh, that's great.

0:42:43 > 0:42:48Excited and a bit nervous, just keen to see where we go from here, really.

0:42:56 > 0:42:58With most of his practical concerns put to bed,

0:42:58 > 0:43:02Phil's reconciled himself to taking Harrison away from

0:43:02 > 0:43:05his grandparents in the UK in order to greenlight

0:43:05 > 0:43:11Gentle's lifelong dream of moving back to the country she calls home.

0:43:11 > 0:43:15We wish them all a happy and prosperous future down under.