A woman has revealed her husband wants to move their family to New Zealand because he’s ‘increasingly concerned’ about the threat of war in the UK.
Taking to parenting platform Mumsnet, the British woman explained her partner has ‘anxiety’ about the current unrest in the world.
She revealed he has been offered a job in New Zealand and wants to ‘forge ahead’ with the move, despite them not knowing anyone in the country and their son about to start school in September.
Nuclear war expert Annie Jacobsen previously said if war did break out the safest place to be would be Australia or New Zealand because of the agricultural resources.
However many other people responded to her post saying it sounded like an extreme measure, which might make her life incredibly complicated if they ever split up.
A woman revealed on Mumsnet that her husband wants to move their family to New Zealand because he’s ‘increasingly concerned’ about the threat of war in the UK (stock image)
The post read: ‘DH [Darling husband] wants to move us all to NZ because he’s had a job offer and he’s increasingly concerned about the threat of war (we are in the UK).
‘We have one DS [Darling son] who is just about to start school in September and is currently getting settled into the idea/going to taster sessions.
‘I’m not currently working. I was self employed previously. I’ve had a look online and it seems like DH would get the visa for the job offer and we could apply for a NZ Family Visa and try to get residency there once there.
‘But I’m unclear about whether I’d need to work in order to hold that Visa – I’m not against working at all and we agreed I’d pick up my self employed business again when DS goes to school but I don’t think that would be an option under the working requirements there.
She continued: ‘DH keeps saying the company would sort it all but I think it’s such a sudden huge decision and I’m worried that he’s just forging ahead with it because of his anxiety about the world situation.
‘We have never even been to NZ. We don’t know anyone out there, I don’t know anything about it or the schooling system etc.
‘It’s so far away as well we wouldn’t be able to see friends and family regularly. I’m worried about how DS would adapt.
Taking to the parenting platform, the British woman explained her partner has ‘anxiety’ about the current unrest in the world
However many rushed to the comments with their concerns, saying if they ever split she might have difficulty moving back to the UK with their child
‘I’m not enthusiastic as you can tell but DH thinks it’s a smart move. Am I being unreasonable to want to dig my feet in about this and say no?!’
Many suggested the move could end badly if the pair ever split up, with some saying she may not be able to move back to Britain with her son.
One person said: ‘My main worry would be that if you ever split up and you want to go home you wouldn’t be able to take your child/children.
‘There was a really heartbreaking thread on here a few years ago from a woman in that position. And I’ve seen one a few years ago from a woman in Australia too.’
Another added: ‘If your marriage breaks up you can never leave with your child. Like never. There was a poster on here a while ago who fell in that trap, badly.
‘I never knew that about NZ and stuck in my mind. My NZ friend went home with her English husband, they were back after three years. He simply could not get a job (CA) and lots of anti-English sentiment.
‘As for what the company will offer, it totally depends on the package. Expat package – go for it. Being employed as a local – mmmmmm think again.
‘Family/friends/aging parents – how often do you think you’ll realistically see them. Much less than you think or what you plan for or promise now.’
Others suggested that her husband should speak to someone about his anxiety over a potential war.
Others suggested that her husband should speak to someone about his anxiety over a potential war
One person said: ‘Sounds like he should address his fears with calm and logic, rather than drag his family to the Southern Hemisphere in a panic. I wouldn’t want to go.’
Another said: ‘I think he needs therapy for his anxiety rather than move you all to the other end of the world.’
Someone else wrote: ‘I would actually be quite concerned for his behaviour. It is very extreme to move to the other side of the world on a whim, especially to a country you’ve never even been to.
‘I would definitely not move to a completely new country with no support system with someone who is pretty unstable and could get worse.
‘Give yourselves 12 months. Look into and go on holiday to explore the areas. If you both want to move still then go ahead.’
However many thought it was a great opportunity and the couple should consider moving to New Zealand for a few years.
However many thought it was a great opportunity and the couple should consider moving to New Zealand for a few years
One person said: ‘NZ is an amazing place to raise a child! They will actually have a childhood. What is all this nonsense about living rurally?! Did you know that NZ has cities and towns?!
‘Food is no more expensive than the U.K. now plus if you’re up north you can grown your own produce. The climate in the upper half of the north island is a lot milder, where I live it is t shirt weather 9 months of the year.
‘There is about double the sunshine hours too so no horrendous grey sky. I earn more in NZ so does DH so research your area don’t listen to someone else.’
Another said: ‘Honestly, we’d move to NZ tomorrow if we had the opportunity. Too old/not wealthy enough, unfortunately.’
While another said: ‘I’d be out of this country like a shot given half a chance I’m afraid to say.’
The original poster added: ‘DH has become increasingly concerned about the war in the context of the UK specifically being a target.
‘I don’t know if he’s spent too long on TikTok where it seems to be a constant stream of discussion or where it’s coming from.
‘I have gently suggested his fear might be out of proportion to the threat and that if something did happen, no country that supports Ukraine/is part of NATO or allied with NATO countries is going to be untouched or uninvolved.
‘It’s grim and I wish it wasn’t happening but I don’t think a knee jerk life changing decision is the way forward here.
‘I hadn’t realised that about my wanting to leave and not being able to with DS, that gives me even more pause for thought.’
