Most migrants underestimate how financially hard the first year in New Zealand can be. In this episode, we break down a REAL first-year budget using Brett's own numbers — so you know exactly what to expect, what to plan for, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

This is Episode 1 of the Soft Landing × Migrant Financial Services financial series — your complete guide to understanding the real costs of immigrating to New Zealand.

In this kickoff episode, Brett Corlett sits down with Ivandee Fitchet to answer the question almost every mover asks:

👉 "How much money do I really need to survive my first year in New Zealand?"

Together, they walk through Brett's actual numbers from his own immigration journey, breaking down: • What a real first-year NZ budget looks like • Rent, transport, food, setup, and hidden expenses • Why the first 12–24 months feel financially tight • Practical ways to plan, prepare, and manage the transition more confidently

This series exists because migrants deserve honest, lived-experience guidance — not guesswork or generic advice.

📌 Want personalised help or partner support? Share your details here: https://forms.gle/DhzeGRL4cLF1egs68

• New Zealand immigration budget

• NZ cost of living 2025

• NZ immigrant finances

• Migrant Financial Services

• Moving to New Zealand costs

• New Zealand family budget

• NZ first-year expenses

• Soft Landing NZ

• Brett Corlett podcast

If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

#SoftLandingNZ #NewZealandImmigration #NZCostOfLiving #MigrantFinancialServices #MoveToNZ #ImmigrationBudget #NZVisaJourney #NewZealandLife #ImmigrantStories #BrettCorlett #NZBudgeting #MovingToNewZealand

What does it really take to build a secure financial future as a migrant in New Zealand? In this Soft Landing NZ episode, Brett Corlett sits down with Ivandee Fitchet, founder of Migrant Financial Services, to unpack her inspiring story, from leaving Cape Town to starting over in Aotearo, and how she now helps other immigrants navigate the challenges of money, mortgages, and retirement planning in NZ.

Ivandee opens up about her own journey, rebuilding her career, supporting her parents from abroad, and learning what financial resilience really means. Together, we explore: ✅ The real cost of starting over in New Zealand ✅ Why buying a home and saving for retirement can feel impossible and how to fix that ✅ Common money mistakes new migrants make ✅ What "choosing your hard" really means when you immigrate ✅ How we'll be using Brett as the "guinea pig" in future episodes to model the full financial journey from budgets to home ownership to long-term security

If you've ever wondered whether you can truly build a stable life in New Zealand, this conversation will inspire you to believe that you can.

Guest: 👩‍💼 Ivandee Fitchet — Founder, Migrant Financial Services 📧 [email protected] | 📲 +64 210 825 2035

Host: 🎙️ Brett Corlett — Soft Landing NZ Helping immigrants make New Zealand home through real stories, practical guidance, and honest conversations about money, mindset, and belonging.

Stay Connected: If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

#SoftLandingNZ #IvandeeFitchet #MigrantFinancialServices #ImmigrateToNewZealand #MovingToNewZealand #NZFinanceTips #FinancialPlanningNZ #MigrantStories #NZHomeOwnership #KiwiSaver #LifeInNewZealand #BrettCorlett #RetireInNZ

In this heartfelt episode of Soft Landing NZ, I open up about our journey from South Africa to New Zealand, what we built back home, what we left behind, and what it really feels like to start over in a new country.

After 2½ years in New Zealand, I'm asking the big question many immigrants face: "Will I ever truly feel settled — will I ever own my own home here?"

I share my personal story, from buying our first home in our 20s, investing in property, and building stability, to now navigating NZ's housing market, rising costs, and the challenge of saving for a deposit. This episode is raw, reflective, and deeply relatable for anyone trying to make NZ their forever home.

We'll also be diving into practical next steps in upcoming episodes, including expert advice from Ivandee Fitchet (Migrant Financial Services) on how to plan, budget, and turn the dream of home ownership into reality.

If you've ever wondered how to put down roots, buy a home, or build a secure future in New Zealand, this one's for you.

Also, If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

#NewZealand #ImmigrationJourney #MovingToNewZealand #LifeInNewZealand #FromSouthAfricaToNewZealand #NZImmigrantStories #NZHomeOwnership #MigrantFinancialServices #NewBeginnings #MakingNZHome #NZDream #CostOfLivingNZ #LivingInNewZealand #NZPodcast #ExpatLife #SouthAfricanInNZ #FinancialPlanningNZ #KiwiLife #Aotearoa

In this powerful episode of the Soft Landing podcast, I sit down with Francisko "Cisko" Du Plessis to hear his incredible immigration story. What began as a family's move from South Africa to New Zealand for a better future became a fight for survival when Cisko faced sudden organ failure and the need for life-saving surgeries.

This is more than just an immigration journey, it's the story of resilience, faith, family, and a true medical miracle. Cisko's testimony will inspire anyone facing tough challenges, whether in a new country or in life itself.

Stay connected: If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

#SoftLandingNZ #ImmigrationStory #InspiringStories #MedicalMiracle #SouthAfricanInNZ #NewZealandLife #HeartTransplant #Resilience #FamilyFirst #ImmigrationJourney

Making New Zealand home takes more than paperwork — it takes resilience, mindset, and purpose. In this episode, I open up about the 5 steps that changed everything for me as an immigrant and helped me feel connected and grounded here in New Zealand.

The 5 Steps I Share in This Episode:

• Taking control of your mind and thoughts

• Having a clear purpose, vision, and mission (tied to Ep 14: Wheel of Life)

• Practicing Kaizen — small improvements every day

• Creating routines and discipline (21 days to form a habit)

• Paying it forward — helping others along their journey

This is for anyone who feels stuck, lonely, or uncertain about their future in New Zealand. My hope is these steps give you encouragement, clarity, and a practical way forward. Don't give up, you got this!!!!

Find your Why/Purpose - https://youtu.be/IvRxnZJvHLU

Books -

Stay connected: If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

#ImmigrationJourney #MakingNZHome #ImmigrantMindset #SoftLandingNZ #ExpatLifeNZ #ImmigrantStories #MovingToNZ #ImmigrationGrief #MindsetShift #WheelOfLife #PositiveMindset #Kaizen

When you first arrive in New Zealand, one of the biggest challenges is knowing where to buy what. Back home, you knew which shops to trust for food, furniture, or phones. But in NZ, all the logos, brands, and services are different and that can be overwhelming.

In this episode, I guide you through the essential shops and services every newcomer should know. From groceries at New World, Woolworths, or Pak'nSave, to DIY at Mitre 10 or Bunnings, to furniture, banks, gyms, internet, and even insurance providers, this is the roadmap I wish I had when I first landed.

You'll learn:

• The main grocery stores and how they compare
• Where to buy furniture, appliances, and electronics
• How to set up your internet and phone plans quickly
• The banks and insurance providers most migrants use
• Extras like gyms, petrol stations, and rental websites

💡 I've also created a free downloadable spreadsheet with links to all the shops and services mentioned. Check the link in the description to grab it.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjMQLSAc92Pk_7woYRB72jmnbqxQCKJaSDYk8wFtKTlIa8Ag/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112837948330544769666

This episode is all about helping you avoid confusion and make smarter choices, so you can have a softer landing in New Zealand.

If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

When your child needs hospital care, nothing else matters. In this episode, I share our family's personal experience at Starship Hospital in Auckland, one of New Zealand's leading children's hospitals.

From the emotional toll to the incredible support from staff, I open up about what it's really like when your child needs urgent care in a new country. I also talk about how New Zealand's children's hospital system works, what immigrant families should expect, and how you can prepare if you ever face this situation.

Whether you're already in New Zealand or planning your move, this is an honest look at a side of life many don't think about — but every parent should know.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Our daughter's Starship Hospital story

• How children's hospitals work in New Zealand

• The challenges (and relief) of getting care as a parent

• What immigrant families should expect if their child needs medical attention

✨ If you're immigrating to New Zealand, or already settling here, I hope this episode gives you reassurance and practical insight.

Stay Connected If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

"If you're starting a new life in New Zealand, you might face an unexpected challenge, immigration grief and in this video I share my experience and tips."

We talk about the waves of loss, the identity shifts, and the moments of doubt that can catch you by surprise, even when moving to a place you love. You'll hear practical ways to navigate these feelings, find your footing, and start truly making New Zealand your home.

Whether you've just arrived or have been here for years, this conversation will help you feel seen, understood, and supported.

Listen now and discover you're not alone in this journey.

New Zealand's national suicide prevention training: https://www.lifekeepers.nz/need-to-talk

Stay Connected If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

From ACC to KiwiSaver — The Financial Safety Nets Every Immigrant Should Know About

Moving to New Zealand means starting fresh and that includes understanding how to protect your health, income, and future in a new system. In this episode of Soft Landing, I take you through the key financial safety nets and insurance options that help provide stability and peace of mind once you've started to settle in.

Whether you're a few months into your immigration journey or already working and building your life here, this episode will give you the practical knowledge to make smarter decisions for yourself and your family.

I cover:

• 🛟 ACC: What it does and doesn't cover

• 🏥 Public vs. Private Health Insurance: Is Southern Cross worth it?

• 💸 Income Protection & Trauma Cover: Why it matters and how to get it

• 🔐 Life Insurance & Redundancy Cover: Who needs it and when

• 💰 KiwiSaver: What it is, how it works, and when you can use it

• 📈 Other Investments: Building a safety net for the future

I'm not a financial advisor, and this episode isn't financial advice it's just my real-life experience, the lessons I've learned, and the systems I now use to protect my family here in Aotearoa.

If you're working toward financial stability, planning your future, or just wondering what these terms mean in the New Zealand context, this episode is for you.

Stay Connected If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

In this powerful episode of Soft Landing, I interview Andre Cronje, a South African immigrant who arrived in New Zealand with just $3,000, two suitcases, and no job and went on to become a general manager at a leading defense company within four years.

Andre shares his step-by-step journey: from door-to-door sales to senior leadership, using smart CV strategies, skill stacking, and understanding the hidden rules of New Zealand's job market. Whether you're applying from overseas or already in NZ and struggling to land that first interview, this conversation is packed with practical advice and hard-earned wisdom.

What you'll learn:

• How to tailor your CV to pass NZ recruitment filters

• Why culture fit often matters more than qualifications

• The real reason cover letters and one-page CVs matter

• What "skill stacking" is and how it can transform your job prospects

• How to adapt your communication style for Kiwi workplaces

This is a must-listen for new immigrants and job seekers alike. Subscribe and share it with anyone trying to land that all-important first job in New Zealand.

Stay Connected

If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process. 👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz