People & Places
Child's play for the Binns
Emigrating is seen as a new life overseas. For Adam and Lynne Binns, who moved to Dunedin, this was exactly the case; their first baby, Callum, was born in New Zealand in May last year
Adam was granted a 30-month Work to Residence Visa under the Talent Scheme with an international firm of property consultants They chose to pack in the UK rat race, with its high cost of housing and rampant materialism, and move Dunedin, on the east coast of the South Island. Catching up with them over a year later, they were confident they had made the right choice. Not only did they have the life they dreamed of, but their first child, son Callum, will turn one in late May.
They first settled in Dunedin, though they had their sights set on Nelson before they took a fact-finding trip to the island. "We're still in Dunedin. As far as we're concerned it's the best city in New Zealand," says Adam. "It's big enough to have lots going on like concerts and the Super 14 (a rugby league), but it's small enough to have a nice small town feel.
"The lack of traffic is a bonus – my drive into work is only ten minutes, something you don't get in other cities like Auckland and Christchurch," he adds.
While the Binns are sold on the pace of life and Dunedin's cosy feel, Adam warns those considering emigrating to be aware of the job market. "Employment terms are different from the UK, and sometimes not for the best. "It's standard to only have three weeks' paid holiday (although recent legislation increases this to a minimum of four weeks for everyone from April 2007). "My contract is for 40 hours a week and I think this is pretty standard, certainly in office based jobs. That's two and a half hours more than I was working in the UK." Another factor most emigrants wouldn't consider is the different legislation for new parents. "When Callum was born last year, I was only given three days paternity leave off and I was then expected to be back in the office," Adam groans. "Then, in January this year we had to go back to the UK as Lynne's dad is very ill. Again my employers only gave me three days 'bereavement'. People shouldn't think that just because they may have to go to funerals in the UK that they will get special treatment."
Though he works longer hours, Adam feels he actually spends more time with his family. He compares their time together now with their old life in the UK. "If we had still been in the UK I would have been off to work by the time Callum got up and not home by the time he went to bed.
The only time I would really have seen him would have been at weekends. Now, I get to see him in the morning, at lunchtime and at night, and the weekend as well." The Binns have also had a chance to find out how the New Zealand healthcare system shapes up. Lynne gave birth in a Kiwi hospital and found the whole experience extremely positive. "In a word, New Zealand's healthcare system is fantastic. "Lynne's care during the pregnancy and since Callum was born has been second to none, and we have absolutely no complaints." And what about the costs? "As adults, we have to pay for doctors visits, but then again we don't have to pay National Health here so it's swings and roundabouts."
When the Binns first moved to New Zealand, they planned to rent for the first year to avoid buying in the wrong area. They bought their first house in December 2005, and they were pleasantly surprised by the house-buying process. "The market operates differently to the UK. Once you have your offer accepted, you sign the sale and purchase agreement, which is basically the contract. Then you are tied into the deal. "There's no backing out because you get a change of heart. It makes for a lot simpler process."
Some things are the same no matter where you go in the world, however, as any parent of a new baby can tell you. The Binns have had to put the social life on hold somewhat and make the most of their time with Callum. "To be honest, we've not had much opportunity for socialising what with having the young fella pretty soon after we got here," says Adam. "But we've still done plenty and seen a lot of the country, and we're hoping to get up to do some skiing this winter." Keeping an open mind is Adam's top tip to potential migrants. "Don't have too many pre-conceived ideas about how your life is going to be here before you come. "We came to New Zealand with a completely open mind, and therefore we haven't been disappointed about our new life. Things are different, but that's cool. There would have been no point in emigrating if New Zealand was the same as the UK." Of all the advantages New Zealand has to offer, the Kiwi people themselves seem to be it's biggest asset, as far as Adam is concerned. "Everyone just seems to get on with things. It's an old cliche about Kiwis having a 'can do' attitude, but it's true. "For example, one thing we've noticed is that when a road needs digging up, which actually seems to happen much less than in the UK, it's done very quickly. "There's none of this digging a hole and then leaving it for three months. It's just one of the small things that sets New Zealand apart from Britain." Adam can only think of one thing he would contemplate changing about his adopted home. "Gas central heating would be nice!"
Register for your FREE emigration starter pack
Subscribe to Emigrate New Zealand newspaper. Read more ...