Dreams outweigh fears for this Canadian family bound for New Zealand

Catherine Reynolds | May 10, 2017

For a family in South Frontenac, life is either a great adventure or nothing.

“We can stay and have a good life or go and have a great adventure,” says Vanessa Neven about moving her family from Canada to New Zealand.

Sitting beside her husband, Jeremy, in his parent’s house in Sharbot Lake on a rainy night in May, the mother of four doesn’t dwell on what she’s losing. She only sees what’s she’s gaining.

“I’m excited, happy and sad, all at the same time,” says the attractive 43-year-old about her departure in a few weeks.

“It’s taken us six months to get to this point. I’m happy we’re moving forward.”

For the family, the unknown is greater than the known.

They know they will be closer to Jeremy’s job as a Senior Building Surveyor with the Auckland government. His last day as Chief Building Official for Central Frontenac Township is May 12. He departs for New Zealand on May 25 and starts his new job in early June.

“It’s very freeing. I’m relieved,” says Jeremy about selling most of his possessions, including the family hobby farm.

Located in a remote part of South Frontenac Township, the family walked out of their custom-built house on April 28 with their dishes and furniture still inside. They have sold, or are selling, almost everything they own.

“I’m looking forward to going now. Everything is done,” says Jeremy, 44, who departs five weeks before his wife and children to give them time to finish the school year.

What they don’t know is what to expect when they get there.

They need to find a house and a school for their girls, ages 17, 15, 13 and 12. Vanessa also hopes to resume her career as a Registered Practical Nurse.

“All we know is, we have the capacity to figure it out while we’re there,” says Jeremy with confidence.

It’s not the first time the family has taken on a challenge.

In 2004, they moved into yurts located off-grid.

In 2014, they moved out of their yurts and into a house built by Jeremy and his father.

Now, they are leaving everything behind to start over in a new country.

“It’s not like we have to go, we have a great life here,” Vanessa explains. “But this is a great opportunity for the kids. The kids are growing up. This was a chance to give them an adventure. Also, I have a wanderlust. I love to travel. I like to see other cultures and be immersed in it, not just travel through it.”

Watching the hockey game out of the corner of his eye while listening to the conversation around him, Jeremy takes a minute to describe what he’ll miss in Canada.

“The outdoors,” he acknowledges solemnly.. “I’m going to miss the wildlife and the pristine lakes.”

“Our parents and friends,” adds Vanessa quickly. “Just losing those supports is hard.”

The family also had a hard time parting with their animals. Horses, pigs, cows and dogs were relocated to good homes.

Is it clear this family is following their dream and believes life is measured by experience, not money. But every venture has a risk, and they know they could experience hardship along the way.

“I worry most about losing my job. Everything hinges on my job,” says Jeremy, honestly.

“My biggest worry is damaging the kids. I worry they’ll hate it,” adds Vanessa.

“It’s a legitimate concern,” says Jeremy. “Are we doing the right thing for the children’s education and future?”

Pausing slightly, he sums up his feelings, “We worry about the old ones and the young ones.”

Listening quietly to the conversation, their eldest daughter Reilly, 17, remarks with a smile, “I worry about my luggage.”

“I worry about sharks,” adds their youngest daughter, Sydney, 12, with complete sincerity.

Just as the laughs outweigh tears in this family - dreams outweigh fears.

Auckland is a vibrant city with spectacular landscapes. Located in a country that takes a mere five hours to cross on foot, it boasts a sunny climate that is the background rhythm of a Polynesian culture. It is built on 48 volcanic cones that hold historical, spiritual and cultural significance.

“It’s a very demanding country to enter into,” explains Vanessa about the endless stream of forms they had to complete for visas and a work permit. “I think the biggest challenge has been the paperwork. It’s been an epic adventure.”

“We had to close everything here and start over again,” adds Jeremy about their bank accounts, investments, etc.

Once they arrive in New Zealand, the family will be non-residents. They have kept their Canadian citizenship.

“We’d never give that up. Not a chance,” says Jeremy with enthusiasm.

“The good news is, someone has done it before us and someone will do it after us,” adds Vanessa about the move that could be temporary or permanent.

“We’re not fearful of challenges,” she says wisely. “Challenges just make people more capable. We hope this adventure reinforces an ability in our children to figure things out.”