New Zealand is so multi-cultural!

My name is Marisa, I am from Sri Lanka and I moved to NZ with my husband Jan and our fourteen-year-old son Mehaiel.

Challenges

For us the most challenging part of the process was the wait, the expenses and the amount of documentation we had to have ready and get ready.

NZ Shores advisers

Our adviser was Fabien Maisonneuve from New Zealand shores. It was the best decision we made and we could not have asked for a more perfect adviser! Fabien was so knowledgeable, professional, invested in our success, and patient with all our questions. He became a friend through the 3+ years that it took for us to see this whole process through from start to finish, and when New Zealand shores says they go above and beyond the services you pay for, this is true! They stuck it out with us, through the pandemic, and any other issues that we faced, expected and unexpected. No matter what happened, Fabien always came through, got creative to find solutions and supported us all the way. To say that this entire life changing process was done on e-mail alone, is evidence that this company and the advisor we worked with are full of integrity and professionalism.

Impressions

My first impression of NZ was that it was so green and beautiful and that traffic was quiet! People hardly use their car horns here, and that was amazing to witness.

What I miss from home

What I miss from home though is the food, but New Zealand is so multi-cultural that all it takes is a little research on google and you can find anything from any part of the world available for purchase here.

My advice to other migrants

My advice if you’d like to emigrate is to trust God in the process, follow advice from your advisor. They are highly qualified and deal with various cases daily. Know that you are not alone and don’t forget to breathe.

Also remember that you are coming to this country for a better way of life, so be prepared to integrated into the system by being willing to learn how things are done here and adopt it. Do not continue with the familiar bad practices from the country you are leaving, because remember that is what you are coming to escape from!

One thing I wish I knew

One thing to know before you move is that it will initially be very hard and lonely. Remember it takes about 2 to 3 years to fully feel settled into a new country, so be kind with yourself and all the emotions you feel. You will feel like you want to go back to what is familiar, but remember why you started, be invested and it will eventually become everything you want it to be.

My final advice is, don’t attempt this process without the professional help of someone like New Zealand shores! They know all the ins and outs of what needs to happen, and because migration is a serious financial investment, you want to make sure that it is done well, and within the time frames of your visa requirements. You won’t regret hiring New Zealand shores for this!

Thank you, Fabien and Charlotte and the team, from New Zealand Shores for making this dream of ours come true! We most certainly could not have don’t it without you.

family

19/11/2025

A one of a kind country!

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19/11/2025

I should have made the move sooner!

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19/11/2025

NZ Shores did a fantastic job!

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19/11/2025

The people here are kind and friendly!

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19/11/2025

I wish I had done it sooner

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19/11/2025

New Zealand struck me as a peaceful and clean country!

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19/11/2025

Starting a new life in a new country

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30/03/2026

Moving to New Zealand from the USA

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19/11/2025

A huge decision ; well worth it in the end

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19/11/2025

Starting a new life in a new country

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University of Waikato disclaimer

I acknowledge that the University of Waikato is not, and will not be, liable for any costs, losses, damages, or liability incurred by me or any other party in connection with the services provided by New Zealand Shores limited.

Furthermore, the University of Waikato makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of information and or services provided by New Zealand Shores Limited.