Lifestyle and Leisure
Garden party
We asked three British families living in New Zealand whether they took their garden furniture with them when they emigrated, and if so, whether they thought it was worth it
Tim and Gail Breakwell
"We left behind a pre-cast ornamental stone table and bench. We didn't take this as we decided that due to its need to be cleaned with a pressure washer to remove all moss, dirt etcetera, the process would probably have ruined the decorative patterning .We were also worried that due to it being garden furniture, it would have been an issue for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) in NZ. So we sold it for a small amount. We also left behind a metal (cast iron) garden roller. We left this due to it having rust on it. Once again we worried it would be a problem for MAF. Finally, we also didn't bring any of our wooden furniture as it was so old and unstable that even the hedgehogs wouldn't take cover under it!
Having been through the experience of shipping and having your goods processed by the MAF, it's not as big a nightmare as lots of people make out... as long as you make sure everything is cleaned - and I mean squeaky clean, especially garden items, bikes, lawn mowers any garden tools (check NZ MAF site). Also, if there is rust on anything rub it down and paint it. If you're paying for a container then you may as well fill it.
We've not really bought a lot of garden furniture since we arrived, but we have found that some things are cheaper and some not. People should check out Trade Me which is a bit like ebay."
Donna Johnson
The New Zealand immigration department, quite rightly, is concerned about all belongings brought into the country by migrants. We had to give away wicker furniture because it is not allowed. We were going to leave behind our garden furniture because, although fairly new and expensive, it had been outside for two winters and a summer and needed a very good clean. However, when our removal firm arrived to pack up all our worldly goods .they asked us about the garden furniture, which consisted of a heavy metal table with a glass top, and six metal chairs, and we informed them we were leaving it all behind. They persuaded us to clean it (actually, I was given the job) and so against my better judgement I started scrubbing it with a toothbrush. This enabled me to get into all the cracks and crannies thoroughly, and then I gave it a good rinse and of course I had to dry it properly too. It was extremely hard work and took about three hours, but it looked as good as new afterwards, and we were thrilled at how good it looked. The removals men gave it their seal of approval and wrapped it before we could change our minds.
We're really pleased we brought this furniture with us. it would have been very expensive to replace in New Zealand, and not nearly as good quality!"
Alison Holleyoak
"By the time you have washed it, disinfected it, got it past MAF, and then seen what is available here, the UK stuff looks a rather poor substitute. One thing many Brits don't understand is the strength of the sun here and the UV will soon deteriorate the plastic furniture whilst the timber will soon rot as it hasn't been treated to a NZ level of preserving wood.
If you bring anything over it will only have a short live span in the environment."
With thanks to Brits NZ for putting us in touch with our respondents.
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