Soft Landing - Episode 12 - Scam Alert - How I learned the hard way in New Zealand
🎧Episode Description: When NZ Post Texted Me: My Scam Story & 10 Ways to Stay Safe In this candid episode of Soft Landing NZ, I open up about the first scam that caught me off guard soon after arriving in New Zealand. From a convincing “NZ Post” text demanding I pay a small delivery fee, to the moment I realized I’d been scammed out of $1000, you’ll hear the full story of how I fell victim, what went wrong, and how it felt discovering I’d been duped. I share 10 practical tips you can use right now to protect yourself and your family (whānau). https://www.actnowstaysecure.gov.au/cyber-safe-actions 🔒 10 Scam-Proofing Tips Verify the Sender: Always check the official domain or phone number before replying. Never Tap Unexpected Links: Go directly to the organisation’s website or app instead. Watch for Urgent Threats: Scammers use fear; genuine services don’t demand immediate payment. Inspect URLs Carefully: Hover on desktop or press-and-hold on mobile to preview the real address. Enable 2FA Everywhere: A second factor stops scammers even if they get your password. Use Official Apps: Download NZ Post, AT, and bank apps only from trusted app stores. Block & Report: Forward suspicious texts and report to orginisation they impersonating. Keep Software Updated: Patch operating systems and antivirus to close security holes. Limit Personal Info on Social Media: Scammers often mine your profiles for clues. Educate Your Family: Share these tips with family and friends to build a scam-aware community. 🔗 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts, and take control of your online safety in New Zealand. 📺 YouTube Channel: @softlandingnz 🎙️ Soft Landing NZ—Making New Zealand Home.
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Soft Landing - Episode 11 - Enrolling the kids in school and navigating New Zealand school system
In this special episode, I sit down with my wife to talk through one of the most important parts of relocating as a family—getting your kids enrolled in school in New Zealand. We share our real experience, what caught us off guard, and what we wish we had known before arriving/enrolling the kids. From understanding school zones and year levels, to navigating enrolment paperwork. 💬 In this episode, we cover: Public vs semi private schools in NZ The importance of school zoning How the school levels work (starting age) Uniforms, stationery, and school donations Managing the communication from schools What’s different from the education system back home (SA) What we feel is important to consider/keep in mind If you're a parent preparing to move or recently arrived in New Zealand, this episode will help you feel more informed, more confident, and better prepared when it comes to choosing and enrolling your children in school. NZ Ministry of Education website has a lot of resources for you to research education.govt.nz www.govt.nz/browse/education Please follow and subscribe to my YouTube channel YouTube Channel: / @softlandingnz Full Tutroial on how much is costs to live in New Zealand - https://bit.ly/45C3eSL
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Soft Landing - Episode 10 - “I love New Zealand, but It is still really hard sometimes”
In this episode, I share the emotional side of immigrating to New Zealand, the part we don’t always talk about. Yes, I love this beautiful country and all it offers. But starting over in a new country, far from family, familiar places, and support systems, can be incredibly hard. From unexpected loneliness to the quiet pressure of "making it work," this episode is for anyone who has ever smiled on the outside while struggling on the inside. If you’ve felt overwhelmed, uncertain, or even just exhausted while settling in to your new country, you’re not alone and you’re not doing it wrong. The 5 Mindset Shifts: 1. “It’s okay to grieve what you left behind.” Give yourself space to miss the familiar—this is part of adjusting, not weakness. 2. “You don’t need to have it all figured out yet.” You just need the next step. Focus on progress, not perfection. 3. “Feeling lonely doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice.” Loneliness is a phase, not a verdict. Community will come, keep showing up. 4. “You belong here, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.” You don’t have to ‘earn’ your place. You’re allowed to take up space and feel at home. 5. “Asking for help is a strength.” Don’t suffer in silence, even if you just speak about your challenges, it helps. 🧡 You’re not alone. And you’re doing better than you think. YouTube Channel: / @softlandingnz Full Tutroial on how much is costs to live in New Zealand - https://bit.ly/45C3eSL
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Soft Landing - Episode 9 - Navigating the New Zealand Healthcare System
In this powerful and personal episode of Soft Landing NZ, I open up about our family’s real-life experience with New Zealand’s healthcare system — from registering with a GP, to managing everyday care for our kids, to navigating a post cancer diagnosis and treatment/survailance screening. I share what it’s really like to use both the public and private healthcare systems in New Zealand, including the differences, costs, waiting times, and what you need to know as a new immigrant. You’ll hear: How to register with a GP when you first arrive Need to register kids for dental cover What ACC cover is My experience dealing with a serious illness / specilist care How the system works for families and children Practical advice to prepare for medical needs in NZ Whether you're coming from South Africa, India, the Philippines, or UK or any other part of the world, this episode will help you better understand how to prepare yourself and navigate the "new" way of health care for you and your family in New Zealand.
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Soft Landing - Episode 8 - How to get that first interview in New Zealand
Struggling to get a response after applying for jobs in New Zealand? You’re not alone!!! In this episode of Soft Landing, I share practical, proven tips to help you with securing your first job interview in New Zealand. Learn how to format your CV the New Zealand way, write a stand-out cover letter, where to apply, and how to show you're a great fit—even without local experience. Whether you're from South Africa, India, the Philippines, or China, this episode will help you take your next step toward employment in NZ. 🎯 What you’ll learn: What Kiwi employers are really looking for Must have CV and cover letter info and format Where to find the best job listings How to boost your chances with no NZ experience Interview preparation tips to help you stand out Ready to turn applications into interviews? Press play and let’s get you closer to your first Kiwi job! http://www.youtube.com/@softlandingnz
This Podcast is designed for anyone thinking about, preparing for, or who has just immigrated to New Zealand. Drawing from Brett's personal experience, this series will guide you through the process of preparing for your move, helping you navigate the challenges of immigration, and settle into your new home with ease.
New Zealand