It’s now two years since I arrived back home in New Zealand. I’m in my first job, second flat, and third pair of running shoes. As a global pandemic rages, I’m happier than ever with the decision to move back to this beautiful peaceful corner of the world.
No-one could have predicted the massive changes that have taken place in the past year. I am extremely privileged to have spent my years living in London, regarded as an expat rather than an immigrant. And I am extremely privileged to have had the choice, and returned to New Zealand when I did.
My first year was all about being a repat and rediscovering home. But my second year of being back in New Zealand felt like a re-balancing. We had a fun summer, but we weren’t constantly rushing around the country.
We surfed, hiked, paddle-boarded and chilled. I got an overseas trip to Noosa in, which was fantastic. And we still attended gigs, had fancy dinners, and partied with our mates – even if not every weekend, like in London! After all, I’m in my early-to-mid 30s now…
When those living overseas returned (hi Natalie and Laura!) I listened to their London stories and European travel adventures with recognition and yes, a little bit of envy.
But honestly, my family and friends here, plus our own New Zealand adventures, more than make up for it.
After all, we may not have Glastonbury, but we have Splore!
And we may not have the iconic London skyline, but I rate this one pretty highly too.
And I’ve always loved a sunny New Zealand Christmas just as much as a snowy cold European one. Particularly when celebrating with (almost) allll the family! (Move home already, Zoe and Tom!)
I don’t think I’ve lost the repat feeling of delight in being back. But from my favourite local Parkrun and cafe to my Sunday Takapuna Beach walk ritual, I feel like I’ve really found my groove.
And then, Covid. I want to send so much love and hugs to anyone suffering – whether that takes the form of illness, separation, job loss, cancelled events or a lack of travel and Vitamin D! It’s a tough time for all of us. Although New Zealand has a small community outbreak at present, as a whole we’ve been doing amazingly well at keeping Covid out of NZ, and I’m so grateful.
With my groove back, and at the end of two years back home, I definitely don’t feel like a “repat” any more. And for that, I’m grateful as well.
Cheers to two years home in New Zealand! I don’t know what the next year holds, but I hope there’s a lot of good news in there for all of us.
Have you been an expat/immigrant, and did you then move home? What did that look like for you?