People & Places
NZ lifestyle so appealing
Radka Paulasova has already left her native Czech Republic to live and work in the UK with partner Hayden, and now they both have their sights set on New Zealand
Living in New Zealand was no spur of the moment decision for Radka Paulasova. Ever since she was a child, she's wanted to settle in the Land of the Long White Cloud. And despite the fact she's never been to the country, she's still sure it's the place for her. "Even though I have never visited I would not be nervous moving there without seeing it first. Living in New Zealand has been my dream since I first heard about it at school. I have read, heard and watched everything that mentioned New Zealand since then".
She currently lives on the Isle of Wight with partner Hayden Bolton, 33, who works in the financial services industry. Her enthusiasm for all things Kiwi was not enough to prevent a few hitches in her journey to permanent residence. Radka, 27, explains, "Unfortunately our educational experience and career types mean we don't accumulate enough points under the current emigration criteria. "Hayden doesn't qualify under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) although he is considering re-training in a different field included on the Long Term or Immediate Skill shortage lists."
Because Radka was born and educated in Benesov, Czech Republic, before she moved to the UK four years ago, her education qualifications aren't recognised in New Zealand. But with the dream of a new life Down Under firmly in her sights, Radka has managed to gain more qualifications while she's been in the UK. "I have been working as a Leisure 50 plus organiser over the last two years, managing and organising leisure activities for elderly people. "Besides my employment, I also finished my gym instructor course (NVQ 2) and a couple more fitness courses."
The couple's initial plan after finding out they didn't score enough points to go via the SMC visa was to travel to New Zealand as part of the Working Holiday Scheme. As Hayden was over the maximum 30 years age limit, however, there seemed little the pair could do other than trawl through recruitment sites on the Internet and search for potential employers to boost their score. It was only when Radka discovered the BUNAC Working Holiday visa that has a higher age limit of 35 that they were able to snap into action.
They booked a holiday in December, and Radka is keeping an open mind about where she and Hayden will settle once they get to New Zealand. "We haven't made a final decision yet and hope to explore a little of both islands before we do," she says. "Our initial thoughts are to settle in the north of the South Island, although we may start out in Auckland at first." While their route into New Zealand may not be the most straightforward, their reasons for planning to spend their future there are similar to most Brits who tire of the UK.
Radka considers her change of lifestyle a positive step, saying, "We want to escape from the over-commercialised world. "We feel the UK just doesn't offer us the career opportunities or lifestyle we would like, and it is becoming expensive and over complicated to live here." New Zealand, with a focus on simple living and a distinct lack of materialism has obvious appeal to anyone sick of the rate race. Radka agrees, "We are looking for a different way of life. We want to slow down and enjoy our lives. "We have had enough of trying to keep up with the 'must-have' society and don't see the UK as somewhere we would want to start a family." Her passion for the country is evident, and the couple have never discussed the possibility of settling anywhere else. "We didn't consider any other country, simply because New Zealand is such a perfect fit for us: the climate is similar, English is the spoken language, it's less densely populated, offers unspoilt nature, the outdoor lifestyle and the Kiwi attitude is more aligned with our ideals." The couple dream of running their own business, but Radka believes there are endless opportunities offered by a move to New Zealand, not only for their financial future, but also a healthier, happier personal life. "In terms of leisure I love walking and skiing, preferring natural scenery such as mountains and lakes to man-made architecture, whereas Hayden is fascinated by anything involving water and boats, especially sailing."
"One day we'd like to buy a plot of land and build our own environmentally friendly house, taking full advantage of natural renewable energy resources and generally be as self sufficient as possible growing our own vegetables and fruit." Missing friends and family is par for the course when anyone emigrates, and Radka has braced herself for leaving behind the familiar. "I only see my family twice a year as it is, but the Internet and mobile technology helps us keep in touch, and you appreciate the time you spend together more when you do meet up."
As Radka prepares to venture off into a new life together, one thing is for sure, Hayden will be by her side. He's already told her he'll follow her "to the ends of the earth".
Register for your FREE emigration starter pack
Subscribe to Emigrate New Zealand. Read more ...
Photograph courtesy of Vonnagy