It's a Drama Podcast

We moved to New Zealand with kids (age 8 and 5) from the UK twelve years ago.

To say that we were wet behind the ears is an understatement. Rather we were sodding drenched.

We emigrated to New Zealand from the UK and within the first year of being in the country, we had made more mistakes than we had in our entire lives combined.

5 Mistakes (We Made) When We Moved To New Zealand

When we first moved to New Zealand we pretty much made things up as we went along. As you do.

Perhaps we underestimated how big a move New Zealand was.

As well as getting our heads around day to day differences such as New Zealand slang words, getting to know about the New Zealand culture (even the New Zealand food took some getting used to!), we were also making bigger decisions.

Like what car to buy, where to live and what working in New Zealand would look like.

In this week's podcast episode, (we also have a video version if you would prefer to watch!) Liz and her husband Brian, discuss 5 rookie mistakes that they made within the first year of living in New Zealand

1: Gambling with our currency.

2: Trying to rent a house in New Zealand from the UK

3: Buying a car from an auction.

4: Trying to be too sociable.

5: Jumping at the first opportunity (out of fear).

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We have been living in New Zealand for twelve years.

We arrived from the UK where we had a comfortable home, my husband was on a good wage and both of my kids were at school.

Within a year of moving to New Zealand, we were living in a rented house and my husband was on half the wage.

Did I want to go home? At times, yes. But we were so determined to make New Zealand work that we did everything in our power to make it happen.

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% of Immigrants Go Home

But not everyone is as lucky as us.

In 2019 Stuff.co reported:

Out of the 99,300 non-New Zealanders that arrived here last year, 28,000 left and 71,000 stayed".

New Zealand population statistics manager Peter Dolan said the cooling in net migration last year was a result of the increase in those leaving the country after migrating here in the past.

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For some people, the New Zealand cultural differences are so far from what they are used to that they pack up and leave.

Homesickness is very real.

When you move to the other side of the world, leaving behind everyone and everything you have only ever known, it is only natural to feel feelings of loss and regret. (Unless where you have left is utterly terrible of course).

Why Can't Some People Make a Life in New Zealand? 🇳🇿

Lack of research plays a big part. And being unrealistic.

There are many misconceptions about New Zealand, one of those being that this is the land of milk and honey.

Which of course it isn't.

When people arrive here and discover that work still exists, as does lining up at the grocery store and talking to the teacher about 'that child' who is bullying yours, they get disheartened.

They become bitter. Worry that they have made a massive mistake.

Instead of embracing their new way of life, learning the New Zealand slang and looking, they attempt to replicate their old ways in their new country.

And to some extent, this can work. We know people who only have British friends. They go to their house every weekend and watch British TV. Eat British food and talk about 'back home.

Personally, I don't think this is sustainable. There is only so much you can say about the price of Heinz Baked Beans.

Americans in New Zealand also find it tough. Although personally, every American that we have met have found the country to be so refreshing that they embrace the change with open arms.

5 Reasons Why (Some) Immigrants to New Zealand Can't settle

In this week's podcast episode, Liz and her husband Brian, discuss 5 of the most common traits that cause (some) immigrants to leave New Zealand.

I say some because I don't want you to become disheartened.

Some of these points that we make are totally natural and even if you find yourself doing them that doesn't necessarily mean that you won't make it work in New Zealand. You will. But only if you want to.

Have your breaking in period and then embrace the country for what it is. Holding on to your old life will only prevent you from moving forward and that's not why you moved to New Zealand.

Either way, good luck with your move to New Zealand and don't forget to share this post with anyone who would love it too!

Are You Considering Moving To New Zealand?

Do you wonder what is life like in New Zealand?

I have talked about this endlessly. I even made a FREE 5-day video series for you to show you what you can expect from your life in New Zealand.

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If you are looking for tips on working from home with your spouse then you might definitely certainly want to listen to this podcast.

For sure.

Dealing with being together 24/7 is a regular conversation at our dinner table. We have been working together (on and off) as husband and wife - both from home and out of the house - for the past twenty-five years.

And we haven't yet killed each other.

Notice how I said yet.

Working From Home With Your Spouse. Marriage. Menopause & Everything In Between

That almost changed today.

After sitting down and having a forty-minute conversation about working, living and remaining in love with your spouse, I discovered that Brian (yes, it was his fault, not mine, not that I am one to blame of course) forgot to turn his phone (the same phone that records the podcast) onto flight mode.

To cut a long story short, the phone rang five minutes into the podcast and unbeknown to us, stopped recording.

Thirty minutes of nothingness.

Luckily, the phone camera (that is used to record the interview for YouTube) was still recording so, rather than scrap the whole conversation, we decided (after watching the video recording through) that we would release this conversation to the world using only the phone audio.

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Even if it does sound a bit crap.

Because there are some good helpful and insightful bits about marriage, menopause and making things work as a team.

Hope you enjoy it. Let us know in the comments what you think!

Did you enjoy this week's podcast on working from home with your spouse?

Thank you so very much for listening! We'd love to know what you think about this week's show and if there is anything you would like to know further so that we can include it in our next podcast.

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Related podcasts that you will enjoy!

How to work from home and get stuff done.

Homeschooling and working. Three things to be aware of.

She's a typical Brit. I've heard that saying more times than I've had hot dinners in the past twelve years.

And right there is a perfect example of typical British ways. Right up there in that first sentence.

Being British is fab. It's brill. You can say things that make no sense at all to the rest of the world and every other British person understands what you are saying.

British Culture Habits

In this podcast episode (which also has a video to watch should you so wish!), we talked about 12 of the most typical British ways that the world finds both confusing (and often infuriating!)

Get a nice cup of tea and enjoy!

Listen to the podcast about what makes a typical Brits here! (If you would rather watch the video version then keep scrolling!) Subscribe to us on Apple Subscribe on Android Would You Like To Join Our New Zealand Community?

Are You Considering Moving To New Zealand?

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Did you enjoy this week's podcast on British Culture?

Thank you so very much for listening! We'd love to know what you think about this week's show and if there is anything you would like to know further so that we can include it in our next podcast.

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Thank you for your support and don't forget— If you enjoy our podcasts then you can subscribe to us on iTunes or Spotify (that way you will never miss an episode!)

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How do Americans in New Zealand settle? Will New Zealand feel familiar in any ways?

If you are moving to New Zealand from America and wondering what your new life will be like then you will love what we are about to share.

Living in New Zealand (As an Expat)

In this podcast episode (which also has a video to watch should you so wish!), we explored 3 (very similar) things that New Zealand and America share a love for!

My family and I have been living in New Zealand twelve years ago from the UK and it was the BEST thing we ever did.

Of course, as with any country, there are pros and cons of living in New Zealand here, but in general, the New Zealand food is divine and the scenery is to die for and the kiwi people are super welcoming.

If you are from the US and are asking Is New Zealand for me then hopefully this video podcast will help you feel right at home!

3 (American) Things That New Zealand Embraces

Listen to the podcast, here:

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Links Mentioned in this weeks episode:​

Moving to New Zealand with kids?

https://itsadrama.com/kids-in-new-zealand/

Did you enjoy this week's podcast on the 5 things you won't find in New Zealand?

If so, please rate, review and subscribe on whichever platform you are listening to this podcast - it helps us reach more people!

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Did you enjoy this week's podcast on Americans Living in New Zealand?

Thank you so very much for listening! We'd love to know what you think about this week's show and if there is anything you would like to know further so that we can include it in our next podcast.

Please rate, review and subscribe on whichever platform you are listening to this podcast - it helps us reach more people!

Thank you for your support and don't forget— If you enjoy our podcasts then you can subscribe to us on iTunes or Spotify (that way you will never miss an episode!)

If you know of any American folk who are thinking of moving to New Zealand and would love this podcast, then PLEASE, share this episode with them!

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If you are moving to New Zealand you will be itching to find out everything there is to know about the country.

From the New Zealand slang to what the new Zealand people are like.

In this week's New Zealand podcast, we explore 5 things (well actually, it's more like 4 and a half) that you just won't find in New Zealand.

And no. Number 1 isn't decent bacon because I've told you before. You can.

5 Things You Won't Find in New Zealand

Listen to the podcast, 5 things you WON'T find in New Zealand here:

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Links Mentioned in this week's podcast:

Links Mentioned in this weeks episode:

The FREE 5 Day Video Guide To Life in New Zealand (the free version of the video guide we talk about)

https://itsadrama.com/ilovenz/​

The post on the real reason we left Britain.

https://itsadrama.com/reasons-for-emigrating-from-the-uk-blog/

Moving to New Zealand

https://itsadrama.com/kids-in-new-zealand/

Did you enjoy this week's podcast on the 5 things you won't find in New Zealand?

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Did you enjoy this week's podcast on 5 Things You WON'T find in New Zealand?

Thank you so very much for listening! We'd love to know what you think about this week's show and if there is anything you would like to know further so that we can include it in our next podcast.

Please rate, review and subscribe on whichever platform you are listening to this podcast - it helps us reach more people!

Thank you for your support and don't forget— If you enjoy our podcasts then you can subscribe to us on iTunes or Spotify (that way you will never miss an episode!)

If you know of anyone who would love this podcast, then PLEASE, share this episode with them!!

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My family and I have been living in New Zealand for almost twelve years.

And in that time we have got to know many New Zealanders. (Or if we are going to use New Zealand slang, Kiwis).

So in this week's New Zealand podcast, we thought it would be interesting to take the things that New Zealand people are known for and tell you our opinion on whether we think those labels are right.

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Listen to the podcast, what New Zealand people are (really) like here:

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Links Mentioned in this weeks episode:

The Free 5 Day Video Guide To Life in New Zealand (the free version of the video guide we talk about)

Did you enjoy this week's podcast on what New Zealand people are (really) like?

Thank you so very much for listening! We'd love to know what you think about this week's show and if there is anything you would like to know further so that we can include it in our next podcast.

Please rate, review and subscribe on whichever platform you are listening to this podcast - it helps us reach more people!

Thank you for your support and don't forget— If you enjoy our podcasts then you can subscribe to us on iTunes or Spotify (that way you will never miss an episode!)

If you know of anyone who would love this podcast, then PLEASE, share this episode with them!

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The education system in New Zealand receives an unfair amount of flack.

When we were planning on moving to New Zealand twelve years ago, the school system was one of the things that people always brought up.

"Ohhh... you know schools aren't that good over there don't you?" said the people who had never crossed the Atlantic in their lives. "And apparently, you can't get decent bacon".

You know my thoughts on this. Tosh. That's what.

I've had plenty of decent bacon butties in New Zealand.

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New Zealand Education System

I'm not an expert in the New Zealand school system field.

I homeschooled both of my kids from the ages of 10 and 7. Not because I was unhappy with the New Zealand schools but because thankfully, New Zealand is an openminded forward-thinking country that encourages freedom of choice when it comes to education.

And mine was to homeschool.

New Zealand Education System Compared to The US

So I found me an expert instead. Someone who would chat to me on the podcast and tell me everything there is to know about schools on both sides of the world.

The lovely Tara, from KiwiAmerican (check out her YouTube Channel below) is an American who now moved to New Zealand from the US four years ago.

She has four kids who have all experienced the US education system and are now at school in New Zealand.

Tara also works as a university lecturer in Wellington so this gal knows her stuff when it comes to the school system in New Zealand and how it compares.

If you are thinking of making that big move and planning on living in New Zealand with kids (but are concerned that they might end up with turnips as brains) then this is the episode for you.

We hope you enjoyed the show and as always, thanks so much for being there, we love and appreciate your feedback.

Links Mentioned in this weeks episode:

The Free 5 Day Video Guide To Life in New Zealand (the free version of the video guide we talk about)

Follow Tara from Kiwiamericans on TikTok & check her YouTube Channel too!

Listen to the podcast, If it was easy everyone would do it, welcome to 2021 here:

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Did you enjoy this week's podcast on the New Zealand education system vs the US?

Thank you so very much for listening! We'd love to know what you think about this week's show and if there is anything you would like to know further so that we can include it in our next podcast.

Please rate, review and subscribe on whichever platform you are listening to this podcast - it helps us reach more people!

Thank you for your support and don't forget— If you enjoy our podcasts then you can subscribe to us on iTunes or Spotify (that way you will never miss an episode!)

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Moving to New Zealand is a BIG scary decision and no matter how much stuff you research on the internet, your fears will never be totally soothed.

Not until you arrive on kiwi soil and start getting on with your life.

In this week's podcast episode Brian and I discuss what we worried about most about leaving the UK to live in New Zealand (& reveal whether those fears were justified).

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Moving To New Zealand From The UK

Looking back no, the fears that I had about leaving Bath in the UK to come and start a new life down under in New Zealand in seem a bit silly.

I mean come on...Brian running off with a bunch of cricketers at a BBQ??

I'd be so lucky.

But in reality, I spent many a sleepless night worrying about certain things that I was convinced was going to make living in New Zealand totally and utterly miserable.

It's only looking on the bright side that keeps me going...

7 Common Fears about Life in New Zealand (& Whether or Not They Came True)

This week we talk about :

Gangs

Never seeing family again

Male chauvinists

Failure

Things being a bit backwards

Not being welcomed

Money

We hope you enjoyed the show and as always, thanks so much for being there, we love and appreciate your feedback.

Links Mentioned in this weeks episode:

The Free 5 Day Video Guide To Life in New Zealand (the free version of the video guide we talk about)

Listen to the podcast, If it was easy everyone would do it, welcome to 2021 here:

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Did you enjoy this week's scary things about moving to New Zealand podcast?

Thank you so very much for listening! We'd love to know what you think about this week's show and if there is anything you would like to know further so that we can include it in our next podcast.

Please rate, review and subscribe on whichever platform you are listening to this podcast - it helps us reach more people!

Thank you for your support and don't forget— If you enjoy our podcasts then you can subscribe to us on iTunes or Spotify (that way you will never miss an episode!)

If you know of anyone who would love this podcast, then PLEASE, share this episode with them!

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Welcome back to the first podcast first of 2021. Broadcasting from our back garden in New Zealand ('cause it's so blimin' hot inside!)

Podcasting From New Zealand

I'm not going to lie. Creating a podcast episode every week isn't easy. Maybe if we had a team of guys sorting out this and that it'd be different, but we don't. It's just me and Bri. A husband and wife, living in New Zealand.

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Every week we chew the fat on life (usually about travel, and New Zealand) and then we share it with the world.

Sounds easy, doesn't it?

But keeping motivated and trying and come up with new ideas can be a bit of a challenge.

Bloody hell. Half the time I can only just about manage to decide what to have for tea. It would be far easier to put the telly on and watch another re-run of Downtown.

But then I remembered something...

If It Was Easy Everyone Would Do It

And they don't.

Make podcasts I mean. Which means there are more ears in the world to go around. That was the motivation I needed to continue number 1.

And then, as I was sitting at my desk, trying to decide whether or not to record a "I quit" episode, my computer pinged. And as if by magic, the motivation to continue number 2 popped into my inbox.

Two beautiful emails from listeners of the show. I read them out on this week's podcast episode. To let you see how lucky we are.

So here it is. The first of fifty-two episodes. Let's make 2021 a fabulous year and remind ourselves that often the best things in life take work. That's what makes them so bloody good!

As always, thanks so much for being there, we love and appreciate your feedback.

Links Mentioned in this weeks episode:

• The Free 5 Day Video Guide To Life in New Zealand (the free version of the video guide we talk about)

Listen to the podcast, If it was easy everyone would do it, welcome to 2021 here

• Subscribe on Apple
• Subscribe on Android

Did you enjoy this week's life in New Zealand podcast?

Thank you so very much for listening! We'd love to know what you think about this week's show and if there is anything you would like to know further so that we can include it in our next podcast.

Please rate, review and subscribe on whichever platform you are listening to this podcast - it helps us reach more people!

Thank you for your support and don't forget— If you enjoy our podcasts then you can subscribe to us on iTunes or Spotify (that way you will never miss an episode!)

If you know of anyone who would love this podcast, then PLEASE, share this episode with them!

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