From Switzerland to The Mann Estate: Turning a New Zealand Dream into Reality

When our family first considered moving to New Zealand, we knew it would be one of the biggest decisions of our lives. As an Austrian-Czech family living in Switzerland, we were looking for more than simply a change of scenery. We wanted a better lifestyle, new opportunities, and a place where we could build something meaningful for our future.

What we did not know at the time was how important having the right guidance would be throughout that journey.

What was the most challenging part of the migration process?

We were introduced to New Zealand Shores and began working with Fabien. From our very first conversations, he took the time to understand our situation, our goals, and the different pathways available to us. While our case was relatively straightforward, it involved multiple visa categories and long term planning.

Fabien guided us through every stage of the process. This included helping secure my employment pathway, supporting my wife Vera with her postgraduate studies at the University of Waikato, and assisting our family with work visas, partner visas, student visas, residence visas, and eventually Permanent Resident Visas.

How was your adviser?

Throughout the entire process, Fabien was exceptionally responsive, professional, and supportive. Questions were often answered within hours and we always felt confident that our applications were being handled correctly. Sarah and the wider New Zealand Shores team were equally supportive whenever needed.

Looking back, one of the greatest benefits of working with an immigration adviser was the confidence it provided. The applications were prepared properly, the documentation was carefully reviewed, and we always knew what the next step would be. For employers, it also demonstrated that we were serious about our commitment to moving to New Zealand. Having an experienced adviser guide us through the process removed much of the uncertainty and allowed us to focus on preparing our family for a successful move.

Shortly after securing my role as Marketing Manager with Fully Equipped in Hamilton, New Zealand Shores successfully assisted our family in obtaining the visas needed to make the move. I remain grateful to the leadership team at Fully Equipped for providing the opportunity that started our New Zealand journey.

What was your first impression of New Zealand?

Arriving in New Zealand was both exciting and reassuring. While every international move comes with challenges, we quickly felt that we had made the right decision.

The welcoming attitude of Kiwis, the strong sense of community, and the opportunities available confirmed that New Zealand offered exactly the kind of future we had hoped to build for our family.

What advice would you give other migrants?

Have a plan.

Our long term goal had always been to create a small farm business. Even before arriving in New Zealand, we had dreams of growing lavender, welcoming visitors, and building something that could become a family legacy.

After obtaining residence within our first year in New Zealand, we were able to purchase the property that is now The Mann Estate near Waihi. Looking across our lavender fields, Christmas trees, native plantings, and welcoming guests to The Mann Homestay, we are reminded every day how fortunate we were to have the opportunity to make New Zealand our home.

The education pathway was equally important to our success. Vera completed postgraduate studies in Tourism and Hospitality, which now plays a significant role in the operation of our accommodation business. Her experience and education have helped us create a boutique guest experience that consistently receives outstanding feedback from visitors.

One lesson we often share with prospective migrants is the importance of having a clear plan. New Zealand offers tremendous opportunities, but it helps to think carefully about where you want to live and what kind of life you want to build.

I would also encourage families to make sure everyone is aligned. We have seen some migrants return home because family members had different expectations or different levels of commitment to the move.

Migration requires effort, patience, and flexibility, but if the family is united behind the decision, the rewards can be extraordinary.

Finally, seek professional advice early. A good adviser can save significant time, stress, uncertainty, and money.

Any other comments about your move to New Zealand?

For our family, the wider Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga region proved to be an excellent choice. It offered employment opportunities, access to major services, and a fantastic lifestyle. We often refer to it as New Zealand’s Golden Triangle.

At the same time, we remained flexible. Had the right opportunity presented itself elsewhere in the country, we would have happily moved there. What mattered most was building a future together as a family.

One thing you wish you knew before moving:

I wish we had known just how quickly New Zealand would start to feel like home.
People often focus on the challenges of migration, but for us the positives outweighed the difficulties from the very beginning.

Of course, migration is not without challenges. Housing costs can be significant, and many families will require both partners to work. However, we found New Zealand’s childcare, education system, and family friendly work culture to be incredibly supportive.

Our children settled quickly. The younger ones thrived in childcare and school, while our older children found employment opportunities of their own. We also discovered that New Zealand employers are generally understanding when it comes to family commitments and work life balance.

Perhaps most importantly, New Zealand has given us the opportunity to spend more time together as a family while building a business we genuinely love.

We have also been fortunate to meet many wonderful people along the way. From colleagues and neighbours to friends and local business owners, Kiwis have welcomed us and supported us throughout our journey.

Today, New Zealand Shores continues to assist our family, including supporting my mother through her Parent Category visa process.

When people ask whether moving to New Zealand was the right decision, our answer is simple: absolutely.

The move required commitment, planning, and hard work, but it allowed us to create the life we had envisioned.

Looking back, moving to New Zealand was a great decisions, and we are grateful to everyone who helped us along the way, especially Fabien, Sarah, and the team at New Zealand Shores.

Today, as we welcome guests to The Mann Homestay and continue developing The Mann Lavender Farm, we are grateful for the journey that brought us here and for the people who helped make it possible. We are always happy to share our experiences with prospective migrants and encourage anyone considering New Zealand to explore the opportunities that this remarkable country has to offer.