Paradise found in Kiwi can-do community
Ayoung English family will showcase their new Ōmokoroa lifestyle to the world after a follow-up from the BBC film crew who recorded their NZ recce in 2018.
Stef Barker, Alan Goodwin, Samantha (6) and Georgina (4) checked out Auckland a couple of years ago as stars of Wanted Down Under, after applying to appear on the show.
Stef already had residency, having lived in New Zealand in 2007, but it was the first look for Alan. They checked out houses, jobs, schools, and the lifestyle then took the plunge.
After arriving for real in May 2019, they had a nightmare start in Airbnbs at the Mount, with repeated failures to secure rental accommodation in Ōtūmoetai or Matua.
“There were 30 or 40 families at every open home. Eventually, a Harcourts agent took pity on us and suggested we look at Ōmokoroa,” says Stef.
“We love Ōmokoroa; we’re so happy. It’s like paradise. We have so many friends; people are so friendly - the community is amazing. Number 1 School has been outstanding.
“We filled a house for a party for the film crew with 45 minutes notice. Initially, it was so well planned for filming in March, then Covid hit. This has been so last-minute. Everything was thrown together, but everyone I asked to come and help turned up.
“When we tried to do the same in the UK, people couldn’t come, or they didn’t want to be on TV. Kiwis bring food and drink, and everyone turns up. I was in tears of joy,” she says.
Stef says it was a real pleasure showing the film crew Ōmokoroa and thankfully the weather was phenomenal.
“Neither of the crew had heard of Ōmokoroa. They were both so impressed with the place and what we’d achieved,
with two good jobs in 18 months. We are building in Kaimai Views starting in a couple of weeks. We are so lucky everything has fallen into place.
“If we’d have left it another year, it wouldn’t have happened. We’re honoured to have had the opportunity. I’d love to have had my mum here from Chesterfield for filming, but no one is
going anywhere at the moment,” says Stef.
Producer Jon Bowden says he’s amazed by the guts of people who move for a shot at the lifestyle, because it doesn’t always work out. He says the episode will likely air in the UK in January, with the British winter adding a ‘Wish You Were Here?’ feeling.