Mark & Moira Poulton, Watford

If Mark and Moira Poulton knew back then what they know today, they wouldn’t have spent so many years drifting along in a rut to nowhere.

They were living in Watford on the fringes of London and tiring of boring lives. Things were comfortable enough - good jobs, nice friends and their own flat. But as Moira puts it, “we just weren’t progressing”.

The couple, married for 10 years, thought of moving to the countryside – but then Moira, an anaesthetic technician, opened a specialist magazine and spotted an ad for an Opportunities New Zealand Expo.

They had often talked about living overseas, but it had been just a loose idea to dream about. Now the idea had some traction.

In October 2004, they were so blown away by the Opportunities New Zealand Expo and the crowds it drew that they came back on day two to make sure they missed nothing.

“It was just so busy – a buzzy attitude where everyone was laughing and talking,” says Mark. “It was so welcoming and interesting that we left with the strong impression this was a country we wanted to live in.”

Moira soon discovered her skills were in high demand, and Mark, an IT technical designer, found plenty of good advice about work prospects and the country.

Away home they went, excited by the challenge of a new adventure. They checked in on the expo website and pre-registered for the next London expo … and then set about finding out all they could about NZ.

Five months later, they were back at the expo – this time for real. Moira left with the promise of a job at Counties-Manukau District Health Board (confirmed soon after) and Mark heard enough to give him confidence to make the move.

Work visas followed and now the couple are in Auckland and loving every moment. They were sad at leaving behind family and friends, but in their first year in their new country they’ve already had plenty of visits. 

“We have absolutely no regrets,” says Mark, who works for Telecom, one of New Zealand’s largest companies. “You can do so many great things here that don’t cost you anything: a tramp in the Hunuas or Waitakeres, a visit to the museum, a day at the beach or fishing. It’s fantastic.”