Staying in New Zealand
However many immigrants will pack up their families and move to the other side of the world, only to find within two years they are packing their bags ready to return home. Studies indicate it isn't the job that was disappointing. Single men and women are less likely to feel the need to return, and the job opportunities mixed with lifestyle is a positive change for many immigrants.
Make your move a successful one
It isn't your job you have to consider once you have arrived in New Zealand. It is keeping your spouse and children happy and settled that counts. If the rest of your family feels at home and happy, then your move is far more likely to be successful.
Settling into life in New Zealand
Before you even arrive, plan to start life in New Zealand as settled as possible. Utilise a relocation company that can help with furnished accommodation on arrival, school enrolments and extra mural activities. Using a consultancy cuts down a lot of the trauma and stress involved with making the move.
Building a community
On arrival step out and ask plenty of questions. Network as much as possible. Icebreaking questions that can help you may also be the beginning to new friendships in your community. Ask people to advise you on the best fish and chip shops, a good local bar, or the best place for kid's ballet lessons. Find places your spouse can interact with others.
Spousal Homesickness is a key issue.
Counteract this by planning a trip back home before you even arrive in your New Zealand. Knowing you are going to be going back to a familiar place is a big comfort in those first strange months. Also actively find ways to interact with others. Joining a gym, the parent teachers association or a local craft group are all great ways to meet other parents and adults.
New Zealand isn't perfect.
Acknowledging there WILL be things you don't like about your new country is part of the process. There are good and bad aspects of every place. Allowing times to vent is good for everyone's spirits and not an indication of a lack of success on your part to move here. List all the things you hate or stress about, then make a list of the things you love.
Support each other
You are in this together. People find the move to another country traumatic when they feel their support systems is gone. To alleviate this, make sure you work together to find places you can socialise and play together, and create new support networks both with other Expats, and kiwis alike.
Making the move to New Zealand can be a happy and successful one. Planning for the difficult moments will help the transition become a safe and easier one for everyone involved.