Soft Landing

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,...

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...

"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 maki...

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 se...

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...

In this honest episode of Soft Landing , I break down the current state of the New Zealand job market and why so many people, especially migrants, are finding it incredibly hard to land interviews and secure work. We talk about: Why unemployment has risen from 3% to 5% The impact of the recent recession and economic slowdown Why employers are hesitant to hire offshore What this means for migrants,...

🎙️Why Am I Here? How I Found My Purpose After Moving to New Zealand In this episode, I share how I hit a turning point after our first year in New Zealand, when survival mode started to fade and bigger questions began to surface: 👉 Why am I here? 👉 What is my purpose? 👉 How do I design a life that feels intentional, not just busy? I walk you through: My honest struggles post-immigration  The ex...

  🎙️ Episode 13: The DUI That Almost Cost Him New Zealand Description: What happens when one bad decision behind the wheel puts your entire future in New Zealand at risk? In this deeply personal episode of Soft Landing , I sit down with a close friend who shares his raw and honest story of getting caught driving under the influence (DUI) in New Zealand. He opens up about the moment he was pulled o...

🎧 Episode Description: When NZ Post Texted Me: My Scam Story & 10 Ways to Stay Safe In this candid episode of Soft Landing NZ , I open up about the first scam that caught me off guard soon after arriving in New Zealand. From a convincing "NZ Post" text demanding I pay a small delivery fee, to the moment I realized I'd been scammed out of $1000, you'll hear the full story of how I fell victim, wha...

In this special episode, I sit down with my wife to talk through one of the most important parts of relocating as a family— getting your kids enrolled in school in New Zealand . We share our real experience, what caught us off guard, and what we wish we had known before arriving/enrolling the kids. From understanding school zones and year levels, to navigating enrolment paperwork. 💬 In this episo...

In this episode, I share the emotional side of immigrating to New Zealand, the part we don't always talk about. Yes, I love this beautiful country and all it offers. But starting over in a new country, far from family, familiar places, and support systems, can be incredibly hard. From unexpected loneliness to the quiet pressure of "making it work," this episode is for anyone who has ever smiled on...

In this powerful and personal episode of Soft Landing NZ , I open up about our family's real-life experience with New Zealand's healthcare system — from registering with a GP, to managing everyday care for our kids, to navigating a post cancer diagnosis and treatment/survailance screening. I share what it's really like to use both the public and private healthcare systems in New Zealand, including...

Struggling to get a response after applying for jobs in New Zealand? You're not alone!!! In this episode of  Soft Landing , I share practical, proven tips to help you with securing your first job interview in New Zealand . Learn how to format your CV the New Zealand way, write a stand-out cover letter, where to apply, and how to show you're a great fit—even without local experience. Whether you're...

Moving to New Zealand and need a place to live? In this episode, I break down exactly how we secured a rental — from prepping overseas to impressing agents and landlords once we arrived. 🏡 ✨ Whether you're planning your move or already on the ground, these tips will help you stand out in a competitive market. 🎙️ Listen now and feel more confident in your relocation journey! If you're thinking ab...

In this episode, I continue sharing our immigration journey to New Zealand, picking up six weeks after we arrived. I reflect on what our first year looked like—what we focused on to settle in, how we helped the family adjust, and the steps we took to truly make New Zealand feel like home. I also open up about the reasons behind our move and what I'm most grateful for along the way. If you're think...

"Have you got enough money to live in New Zealand?" In this episode, I dive into what it really costs to live in New Zealand, especially if you're moving with a family of four like we did. I break down all the essential living expenses we faced when we first arrived—including some hidden costs that caught us off guard. I also talk about the minimum income I believe you need to earn to get by comfo...

"Why We Moved – Again" In this episode, we share the story behind our decision to terminate our lease early and move—again. We talk through the challenges of relocating, what led us to make the tough call, and the lessons we learned along the way. This journey, though unexpected, ultimately helped us find our true first rental  home —a place where we could finally begin settling in and creating a...

Immigration is hard—there's no sugarcoating it. Our first week in Auckland New Zealand was filled with excitement, uncertainty, and a fair share of stress. But with a bit of preparation, a flexible mindset, and the determination to keep pushing forward, we made it through. The Challenges We Faced: Housing Hunt  Initial Expenses Navigating Systems Emotional Toll How We Got Through It: Buffer Budget...

Review of Our Last Days in County, Packing Up, Selling Everything, and Landing in Auckland, New Zealand. The process leading up to it was filled with highs, lows, and valuable lessons learned. Looking back, we can pinpoint what worked, what didn't, and what we wish we had done differently.     I believe having a well-thought-out plan, a realistic budget, and an emergency fund for unexpected risks...

"Welcome to this podcast, designed for anyone thinking about, preparing for, or who has just immigrated to New Zealand. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Drawing from personal experience, this series will guide you through the process of preparing for your move, helping you navigate the challenges of immigration, and settle into your new home with ease."   This is the Pilot Episode and t...

"Welcome to this podcast, designed for anyone thinking about, preparing for, or who has just immigrated to New Zealand. Drawing from my personal experience, this series will guide you through the process of preparing for your move, helping you navigate the challenges of immigration, and settle into your new home with ease." If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey,...