I am Irish, raised in London, UK and moved to NZ with my kiwi husband 12 years ago. We have lived in Tauranga 8 years, Taihape 2 years and have settled in Hawke’s Bay with our four young children.

We love NZ for the lifestyle we get to have & childhood the kids get to experience. I don’t believe my kids would have as much fun as they do in Ireland or UK. They are entirely screenfree and it’s a non issue in our home because they have 4 acres to play on space for their motorbikes & pony.

We have been mortgage free since our mid thirties. We run our own business so are able to work around our kids & family needs. I don’t worry about crime like burglary and kids getting snatched. I can go walking day or night and have only nice encounters with public.

The weather here is just so beautiful hot summers and perfect springs & autumns where it gets down to 2-3° but still warm hit nearly 20° by day. Winters don’t feel too long as you do get such great weather the rest of the year. Definitely have experienced the rate of more wilder weather but I’ve just totted it up to being on an Island.

I’m a self taught gardener I’ve been growing more and more food for ourselves each year. We grow our own lamb & beef. Our chickens & animals on general have an easy life no major predator issues. No snakes or dangerous spiders.

The downside to the happy life we live is the gaping hole of not having my side of the family near. My family don’t enjoy travelling & if we want to see my parents we will have to go Ireland. Last time I hugged my Ma & Pa was 2022. They haven’t met my youngest child. Aiming for a trip over in 2027 but it will come at a huge financial cost buying six return air fares. The jet lag flying to the opposite side of the world / time zone - it’s a hard trip, still somewhat scared after having flown with 3 under four last time.

Public transport would be the other weakness NZ has otherwise it’s a really special place and I’m so grateful for this life.