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

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

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

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