Shows
Soft LandingImmigration Money 101: Your First NZ Budget, Costs & Financial Reality (Using Brett as the Guinea Pig) Ep25Most migrants underestimate how financially hard the first year in New Zealand can be. In this episode, we break down a REAL first-year budget using Brett's own numbers — so you know exactly what to expect, what to plan for, and how to avoid costly mistakes. This is Episode 1 of the Soft Landing × Migrant Financial Services financial series — your complete guide to understanding the real costs of immigrating to New Zealand. In this kickoff episode, Brett Corlett sits down with Ivandee Fitchet to answer the question almost every mover asks: 👉 "How much money do I really...
2025-11-1958 min
Soft LandingMigrant's Guide to Buying a Home & Planning Retirement in NZ - Ep24What does it really take to build a secure financial future as a migrant in New Zealand? In this Soft Landing NZ episode, Brett Corlett sits down with Ivandee Fitchet, founder of Migrant Financial Services, to unpack her inspiring story, from leaving Cape Town to starting over in Aotearo, and how she now helps other immigrants navigate the challenges of money, mortgages, and retirement planning in NZ. Ivandee opens up about her own journey, rebuilding her career, supporting her parents from abroad, and learning what financial resilience really means. Together, we explore: ✅ The real cost of sta...
2025-11-0534 min
Soft LandingCan I Ever Own a Home in NZ? Story of Dreams, Family & Belonging Ep.23 In this heartfelt episode of Soft Landing NZ, I open up about our journey from South Africa to New Zealand, what we built back home, what we left behind, and what it really feels like to start over in a new country. After 2½ years in New Zealand, I'm asking the big question many immigrants face: "Will I ever truly feel settled — will I ever own my own home here?" I share my personal story, from buying our first home in our 20s, investing in property, and building stability, to now navigating NZ's housing market, risi...
2025-10-2231 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Ep.22 - South African in New Zealand: Immigrants Story of Resilience, Faith and Survival Podcast Description In this powerful episode of the Soft Landing podcast, I sit down with Francisko "Cisko" Du Plessis to hear his incredible immigration story. What began as a family's move from South Africa to New Zealand for a better future became a fight for survival when Cisko faced sudden organ failure and the need for life-saving surgeries. This is more than just an immigration journey, it's the story of resilience, faith, family, and a true medical miracle. Cisko's testimony will inspire anyone facing tough challenges, whether in a new country or in life itself....
2025-10-011h 45
Soft LandingSoft Landing Ep 21 - 5 Powerful Steps to Overcome Immigration Struggles and Make New Zealand Home Podcast Description Making New Zealand home takes more than paperwork — it takes resilience, mindset, and purpose. In this episode, I open up about the 5 steps that changed everything for me as an immigrant and helped me feel connected and grounded here in New Zealand. The 5 Steps I Share in This Episode: Taking control of your mind and thoughts Having a clear purpose, vision, and mission (tied to Ep 14: Wheel of Life) Practicing Kaizen — small improvements every day Creating routines and discipline (21 days to form a habit) Payin...
2025-09-2450 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 20 - Where to Shop in New Zealand: Groceries, Furniture, Internet and More for New Immigrants 📖 Podcast Description: When you first arrive in New Zealand, one of the biggest challenges is knowing where to buy what. Back home, you knew which shops to trust for food, furniture, or phones. But in NZ, all the logos, brands, and services are different and that can be overwhelming. In this episode, I guide you through the essential shops and services every newcomer should know. From groceries at New World, Woolworths, or Pak'nSave, to DIY at Mitre 10 or Bunnings, to furniture, banks, gyms, internet, and even insurance providers, this is the roadmap I wish I had...
2025-09-1047 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 19 - What is the best children's hospital in New Zealand? Starship Hospital Auckland Explained for Parents & ImmigrantsWhen your child needs hospital care, nothing else matters. In this episode, I share our family's personal experience at Starship Hospital in Auckland, one of New Zealand's leading children's hospitals. From the emotional toll to the incredible support from staff, I open up about what it's really like when your child needs urgent care in a new country. I also talk about how New Zealand's children's hospital system works, what immigrant families should expect, and how you can prepare if you ever face this situation. Whether you're already in New Zealand or planning your move, t...
2025-08-2749 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 18 - Immigration Grief - When starting over is harder than you thought 📄 Description: "If you're starting a new life in New Zealand, you might face an unexpected challenge, immigration grief and in this video I share my experience and tips." We talk about the waves of loss, the identity shifts, and the moments of doubt that can catch you by surprise, even when moving to a place you love. You'll hear practical ways to navigate these feelings, find your footing, and start truly making New Zealand your home. Whether you've just arrived or have been here for years, this conversation will help you feel seen, und...
2025-08-1346 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 17 - What Happens When You're Sick, Injured, Made Redundant, or Grow Old in New Zealand 🎙️ Episode 17: What Happens When You're Sick, Injured, Made Redundant, or Grow Old in New Zealand From ACC to KiwiSaver — The Financial Safety Nets Every Immigrant Should Know About Moving to New Zealand means starting fresh and that includes understanding how to protect your health, income, and future in a new system. In this episode of Soft Landing, I take you through the key financial safety nets and insurance options that help provide stability and peace of mind once you've started to settle in. Whether you're a few months into your immigration journey or...
2025-08-0635 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 16 - How to secure a job interview and get shortlisted in New Zealand - Interview with Andre Cronje📝 Description: In this powerful episode of Soft Landing, I interview Andre Cronje, a South African immigrant who arrived in New Zealand with just $3,000, two suitcases, and no job and went on to become a general manager at a leading defense company within four years. Andre shares his step-by-step journey: from door-to-door sales to senior leadership, using smart CV strategies, skill stacking, and understanding the hidden rules of New Zealand's job market. Whether you're applying from overseas or already in NZ and struggling to land that first interview, this conversation is packed with practical advice and har...
2025-07-301h 01
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 15 - Why It's So Hard to Get a Job in New Zealand Right Now - But there is HopeIn this honest episode of Soft Landing, I break down the current state of the New Zealand job market and why so many people, especially migrants, are finding it incredibly hard to land interviews and secure work. We talk about: Why unemployment has risen from 3% to 5% The impact of the recent recession and economic slowdown Why employers are hesitant to hire offshore What this means for migrants, job seekers, and families already in NZ It's not all doom and gloom, there is hope. I share some real t...
2025-07-2339 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 14 - Why Am I Here? How I Found My Purpose After Moving to New Zealand🎙️Why Am I Here? How I Found My Purpose After Moving to New Zealand In this episode, I share how I hit a turning point after our first year in New Zealand, when survival mode started to fade and bigger questions began to surface: 👉 Why am I here? 👉 What is my purpose? 👉 How do I design a life that feels intentional, not just busy? I walk you through: My honest struggles post-immigration The exact questions I asked myself to become more self-aware How I defined my personal pur...
2025-07-0939 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 13 - The DUI That Almost Cost Him New Zealand 🎙️ Episode 13: The DUI That Almost Cost Him New Zealand Description: What happens when one bad decision behind the wheel puts your entire future in New Zealand at risk? In this deeply personal episode of Soft Landing, I sit down with a close friend who shares his raw and honest story of getting caught driving under the influence (DUI) in New Zealand. He opens up about the moment he was pulled over, the stress of going through the legal system, and how the incident rippled through every part of his life—his visa, job, fam...
2025-07-0242 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 12 - Scam Alert - How I learned the hard way in New Zealand🎧Episode Description: When NZ Post Texted Me: My Scam Story & 10 Ways to Stay Safe In this candid episode of Soft Landing NZ, I open up about the first scam that caught me off guard soon after arriving in New Zealand. From a convincing "NZ Post" text demanding I pay a small delivery fee, to the moment I realized I'd been scammed out of $1000, you'll hear the full story of how I fell victim, what went wrong, and how it felt discovering I'd been duped. I share 10 practical tips you can use right now to...
2025-06-2522 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 11 - How to enroll your kids in school and navigating New Zealand school systemIn this special episode, I sit down with my wife to talk through one of the most important parts of relocating as a family—getting your kids enrolled in school in New Zealand. We share our real experience, what caught us off guard, and what we wish we had known before arriving/enrolling the kids. From understanding school zones and year levels, to navigating enrolment paperwork. 💬 In this episode, we cover: Public vs semi private schools in NZ The importance of school zoning How the school levels work (starting age)
2025-06-181h 00
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 10 - I love New Zealand, but It is still really hard sometimesIn this episode, I share the emotional side of immigrating to New Zealand, the part we don't always talk about. Yes, I love this beautiful country and all it offers. But starting over in a new country, far from family, familiar places, and support systems, can be incredibly hard. From unexpected loneliness to the quiet pressure of "making it work," this episode is for anyone who has ever smiled on the outside while struggling on the inside. If you've felt overwhelmed, uncertain, or even just exhausted while settling in to your new country, you're not...
2025-06-1132 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 9 - Navigating the New Zealand Healthcare SystemIn this powerful and personal episode of Soft Landing NZ, I open up about our family's real-life experience with New Zealand's healthcare system — from registering with a GP, to managing everyday care for our kids, to navigating a post cancer diagnosis and treatment/survailance screening. I share what it's really like to use both the public and private healthcare systems in New Zealand, including the differences, costs, waiting times, and what you need to know as a new immigrant. You'll hear: How to register with a GP when you first arrive Need to...
2025-06-0449 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 8 - How to get that first interview in New ZealandStruggling to get a response after applying for jobs in New Zealand? You're not alone!!! In this episode of Soft Landing, I share practical, proven tips to help you with securing your first job interview in New Zealand. Learn how to format your CV the New Zealand way, write a stand-out cover letter, where to apply, and how to show you're a great fit—even without local experience. Whether you're from South Africa, India, the Philippines, or China, this episode will help you take your next step toward employment in NZ. 🎯 What you'll learn...
2025-05-2842 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 7 - How to Secure a Rental in New ZealandMoving to New Zealand and need a place to live? In this episode, I break down exactly how we secured a rental — from prepping overseas to impressing agents and landlords once we arrived. 🏡 ✨ Whether you're planning your move or already on the ground, these tips will help you stand out in a competitive market. 🎙️ Listen now and feel more confident in your relocation journey! #MovingToNZ #NewZealandRentalTips #ExpatLife #RelocationAdvice #NZRentals #MovingAbroad #KiwiLife http://www.youtube.com/@softlandingnz
2025-05-2149 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 6 - Our journey in New Zealand continuesIn this episode, I continue sharing our immigration journey to New Zealand, picking up six weeks after we arrived. I reflect on what our first year looked like—what we focused on to settle in, how we helped the family adjust, and the steps we took to truly make New Zealand feel like home. I also open up about the reasons behind our move and what I'm most grateful for along the way. Soft Landing - Hosted by Brett Corlett - YouTube
2025-05-1445 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 5 - Have you got enough money to live in New Zealand"Have you got enough money to live in New Zealand?" In this episode, I dive into what it really costs to live in New Zealand, especially if you're moving with a family of four like we did. I break down all the essential living expenses we faced when we first arrived—including some hidden costs that caught us off guard. I also talk about the minimum income I believe you need to earn to get by comfortably, based on our own experience. I share what we prioritized in our budget, what we had to leave ou...
2025-05-0756 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 4 - We are on the Move Again"Why We Moved – Again" In this episode, we share the story behind our decision to terminate our lease early and move—again. We talk through the challenges of relocating, what led us to make the tough call, and the lessons we learned along the way. This journey, though unexpected, ultimately helped us find our true first rental home—a place where we could finally begin settling in and creating a space that feels right for our family. Soft Landing - Hosted by Brett Corlett - YouTube
2025-05-0137 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 3 - You are going to need GRITImmigration is hard—there's no sugarcoating it. Our first week in Auckland New Zealand was filled with excitement, uncertainty, and a fair share of stress. But with a bit of preparation, a flexible mindset, and the determination to keep pushing forward, we made it through. The Challenges We Faced: Housing Hunt Initial Expenses Navigating Systems Emotional Toll How We Got Through It: Buffer Budget Adaptability Community + Online Resources Never Giving Up Soft Landing - Hosted by Brett Corlett - YouTube
2025-04-2342 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 2 - Have you got a Project Plan?Review of Our Last Days in County, Packing Up, Selling Everything, and Landing in Auckland, New Zealand. The process leading up to it was filled with highs, lows, and valuable lessons learned. Looking back, we can pinpoint what worked, what didn't, and what we wish we had done differently. I believe having a well-thought-out plan, a realistic budget, and an emergency fund for unexpected risks are absolutely essential. Soft Landing - Hosted by Brett Corlett - YouTube
2025-04-1347 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing - Episode 1 - Intro"Welcome to this podcast, designed for anyone thinking about, preparing for, or who has just immigrated to New Zealand. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Drawing from personal experience, this series will guide you through the process of preparing for your move, helping you navigate the challenges of immigration, and settle into your new home with ease." This is the Pilot Episode and the purpose of this episode is to give a bit of background information on who I am, why I have started this podcast and why we ended up in New Zealand. Soft Landing - H...
2025-04-0535 min
Soft LandingSoft Landing Trailer"Welcome to this podcast, designed for anyone thinking about, preparing for, or who has just immigrated to New Zealand. Drawing from my personal experience, this series will guide you through the process of preparing for your move, helping you navigate the challenges of immigration, and settle into your new home with ease." Soft Landing - Hosted by Brett Corlett - YouTube
2025-03-3001 min