Moving to New Zealand is one of the biggest decisions you'll make.

And most people focus on:

• visas
• jobs
• housing
• costs

But there's another layer that often gets missed.

The real, lived trade-offs.

In this episode, Brett shares what he's experienced personally since moving to New Zealand, including:

What it really means to live on the other side of the world — emotionally, not just logistically.

Why things can feel slower… and how that connects to lifestyle.

Smaller markets, rebuilding networks, and adjusting expectations.

Not just the numbers — but the impact on how you live and plan.

Why making friends takes effort — and what you need to do about it.

This episode is about one thing:

Alignment.

Is New Zealand aligned with what you want your life to look like?

If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process.
👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

Many immigrants believe buying a home in New Zealand is impossible… but that's not actually true.

In this episode of the Migration & Money series, Brett Corlett sits down with Ivandee Fitchet from Migrant Financial Services to unpack one of the biggest milestones for immigrants in New Zealand: buying your first home.

For many newcomers, owning a home is the moment when New Zealand truly starts to feel like home.

But between rising house prices, deposits, and confusing mortgage terms, the process can feel overwhelming.

In this episode, we break down:

• The first steps immigrants should take when planning to buy a home
• How long it realistically takes to save for a deposit
• Whether you really need a 20% deposit
• The difference between fixed, floating and split mortgages
• The most common mistakes immigrants make when planning for a mortgage

Ivandee also shares why starting the conversation early can make a huge difference to reaching your goal of home ownership.

Buying a home in New Zealand might feel out of reach at first — but with the right planning, it may be far more achievable than you think.

Also, If you're exploring a move to New Zealand and want practical help figuring it all out, you're welcome to join the Soft Landing Inner Circle community.

Inside you'll find resources, conversations and guidance to help you work out whether New Zealand is the right move — and how to make it work if you decide to go for it.

You can join the free community here:

https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

Most immigrants arriving in New Zealand hear about KiwiSaver… but very few actually understand how it works.

In this episode of the Migration & Money series, Brett Corlett sits down with Ivandee Fitchet from Migrant Financial Services to unpack one of the most important financial tools available to immigrants in New Zealand: KiwiSaver.

If you've ever wondered:

• What KiwiSaver actually is
• Who qualifies for it
• How employer contributions work
• Whether it helps you buy your first home in New Zealand
• And the biggest mistakes immigrants make with KiwiSaver

…this episode is for you.

KiwiSaver can play a powerful role in helping immigrants build retirement savings and potentially buy their first home, but only if you understand how to use it properly.

Ivandee breaks down how it works, what to look out for in your employment contract, and why getting the right advice early can make a huge difference.

If you're planning your future in New Zealand, this is a conversation worth listening to.

Also, If you're exploring a move to New Zealand and want practical help figuring it all out, you're welcome to join the Soft Landing Inner Circle community.

Inside you'll find resources, conversations and guidance to help you work out whether New Zealand is the right move — and how to make it work if you decide to go for it.

You can join the free community here:

https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

You've immigrated.
You're rebuilding.
But when do you actually start investing?

In this episode of the Migration & Money Series, Brett speaks with Ivandee Fitchet (Migrant Financial Services) and David Morgan (Forsyth Barr) about what financial planning looks like for immigrants in New Zealand.

We cover:

• Emergency funds
• House deposit planning
• Retirement after immigrating later in life
• Investing small vs waiting
• Investor visa pathways
• Why savings accounts alone may not be enough

If you're 2–3 years into your move and starting to think long-term, this conversation will give you clarity and confidence.

If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process.
👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

The Journey Continues – Life After Moving to New Zealand

Almost a year after moving to New Zealand, I thought we were finally finding our feet.

Instead, everything seemed to hit at once.

In this episode, I continue our immigration story and share what was really happening behind the scenes during our first year in New Zealand, the part that doesn't often get talked about.

From serious family illness back home, to the guilt of being far away when people you love need you most, to work pressure, financial stress, and the emotional toll of having to keep going when you're already exhausted.

This isn't a polished success story. It's an honest conversation about:

• what happens when the excitement wears off

• the emotional weight immigrants carry quietly

• feeling responsible for your family when you're struggling yourself

• and what it's like when the journey has to continue… even when all you want to do is stop

If you're in your first year or two after immigrating, or you're considering making the move — this episode is for you.

You're not weak for finding this hard.
You're not broken for feeling overwhelmed.
And you're not alone in carrying more than you expected.

Sometimes the journey doesn't fall apart, it just asks more of you than you thought you had.

Follow my Soft Landing podcast and subscribe to my YouTube channel @softlandingnz for real stories, walkthroughs, and practical tips for newcomers to New Zealand.
📍 All links & platforms: https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

Almost a year after moving to New Zealand, we thought we were finally finding our feet.

Instead, reality hit — hard.

In this episode, I continue our immigration journey from Episode 6 and share what was really happening behind the scenes during our first year as migrants in New Zealand. From serious family illness back home, to the guilt and helplessness of being far away, job uncertainty, financial pressure, and the stress of having to move again — everything seemed to pile up at once.

This isn't a polished success story. It's an honest conversation about:

• the emotional toll of immigrating to a new country

• the guilt of leaving family behind when they need you most

• work stress and job uncertainty after migrating

• trying to stay strong for your partner and kids while you're struggling yourself

If you're in your first year or two after immigrating, or you're thinking about moving to New Zealand, this episode is for you. You're not weak for finding this hard — and you're not alone.

Sometimes the journey doesn't fall apart.
It just asks more of you than you expected.

Follow my Soft Landing podcast and subscribe to my YouTube channel @softlandingnz for real stories, walkthroughs, and practical tips for newcomers to New Zealand.
📍 All links & platforms: https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

Moving to New Zealand often feels like a fresh start, but few migrants realise how complicated things can become if tragedy strikes. In this episode of the Migration and Money Series, Brett Corlett (Soft Landing NZ) speaks with Ivandee Fitchet from Migrant Financial Services and Alistair van Schalkwyk from ASCO Legal about one of the most important and most overlooked, parts of migration: having a valid Last Will & Testament in both countries.

Brett opens with a deeply personal story: the loss of his sister-in-law to cancer, and the emotional and administrative challenges of managing her estate from the other side of the world. Their family's experience shows just how unpredictable life can be and why having the right legal documents in place can protect your children, your partner, and your assets when the unexpected happens.

Planning Ahead_Your Last Will &…

Ivandee and Alistair then explain, in clear and practical language:

• Why migrants need a will in both their home country and New Zealand

• Why your South African will does not automatically work in NZ

• What happens if you die without a will (intestate law) and why it can become a nightmare

• What "guardianship" really means when you're an immigrant

• Why online wills and templates often fail migrants

• How jointly owned assets and life insurance are treated in NZ

• How often you should update your will

• What happens if your nominated guardians are not NZ residents

• Why original wills must be safely stored and who should keep them

Whether you're still preparing to move or already settled in New Zealand, this episode gives you the clarity, confidence, and peace of mind to protect the people who matter most.

Links & Resources

Book a financial consult with Ivandee (Migrant Financial Services):
👉 https://forms.gle/75TwxcnrUxN79SH8A

Watch/listen to the full Migration and Money series:
👉 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUyrX6hymTr1qQui1OZVKXhNO7HOeLZag&si=lS3mV-CC9Y6Ko5yL

Stay Connected

If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process.
👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz

A practical, migrant-focused guide to understanding wills in New Zealand. This episode explains why newcomers need a Last Will & Testament in NZ, what happens if you don't have one, how guardianship works for migrant families, and the legal steps needed to protect children and assets across two countries. Perfect for South Africans and anyone moving to NZ.

Q: Do immigrants need a will when moving to New Zealand?
Yes. Your home country will does not automatically apply in NZ. Migrants need a will that reflects New Zealand laws to protect partners, children, and assets.

Planning Ahead_Your Last Will &…

Q: What happens if I die without a will in New Zealand?
Your assets may be split between your spouse and children — not automatically to your partner — which can cause major complications.

Planning Ahead_Your Last Will &…

Q: Can I use my South African will in New Zealand?
It may not be valid for NZ assets. Migrants often require separate wills in each country.

Planning Ahead_Your Last Will &…

Q: Who should keep the original copy of my will?
Most NZ law firms store originals safely and notify families if a death occurs.

Planning Ahead_Your Last Will &…

Q: How often should I update my will?
Every 5–8 years or when major life events occur (kids, new assets, inheritance, loss in family).

Moving to New Zealand is exciting, but it also comes with financial realities many migrants only discover once they're already here. In this episode of the Migration and Money Series, Brett Corlett (Soft Landing NZ) and Ivandee from Migrant Financial Services break down one of the most overlooked parts of the immigration journey: insurance.

Brett shares his personal story of being diagnosed with cancer before immigrating, and how having the right insurance cover in place protected his family when life took an unexpected turn. Ivandee then explains, in simple, practical language, the exact types of insurance every newcomer should understand, when to take them out, and why timing matters so much, especially in your first months in New Zealand.

Whether you're still offshore planning your move or already settling in, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to protect your family, your income, and your future in New Zealand.

Summary

A practical, migrant-friendly guide to understanding insurance in New Zealand. This episode explains the essentials, life insurance, trauma cover, disability cover, income protection, medical insurance, ACC, and what migrants should have in place before and after arriving. Perfect for anyone planning to move to New Zealand or already settling in and wanting to make smart financial decisions.

Links & Resources

Book a financial consult with Ivandee (Migrant Financial Services):
👉 https://forms.gle/75TwxcnrUxN79SH8A

Watch/listen to the full Migration and Money series:
👉 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUyrX6hymTr1qQui1OZVKXhNO7HOeLZag&si=lS3mV-CC9Y6Ko5yL

Stay Connected

If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand or already on the journey, come join the free Soft Landing Inner Circle community. It's a place to get clarity, ask questions, and learn from others going through the same process.
👉 https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz