Over 100,000 people immigrate to New Zealand every year. Each brings a unique story, full of hope, uncertainty, and sacrifice. But settling into a new country isn’t always smooth. Many face culture shock, isolation, and moments of doubt some even consider returning to the country they left behind.
I know, because I’ve been there.
That’s why I created the Soft Landing Podcast a space for honesty, encouragement, and real stories about what it takes to build a new life in a new land.
🎙️ Why I’m Sharing My Story
Hi, I’m Brett Corlett husband, dad of two, and the voice behind Soft Landing. My family and I immigrated from South Africa to New Zealand after years of soul-searching, detours, and unexpected life changes. Cancer, COVID, a miracle baby, and a lot of planning all shaped our journey.
This podcast isn’t about immigration from the headlines it’s about what really happens behind the scenes. It’s for the people who are actually living the experience people like you.
🌍 Why We Left South Africa
Immigration wasn’t a snap decision for us. South Africa had (and still has) our hearts, but not the future we wanted for our kids. We saw the direction things were going and knew we had to act not out of fear, but for opportunity.
We explored moving to England. Then I was diagnosed with cancer. We paused everything.
Eventually, we restarted the journey and just as we were gaining momentum again, we discovered we were having a second child in the middle of a global pandemic.
It wasn’t the smooth path we imagined, but it led us to New Zealand and it’s where our new chapter began.
✈️ From Plan to Reality
When we finally got job offers and committed to the move, we sold our cars, our home, and most of what we owned. We rented a house in Auckland before even landing trying to make it feel safe and “sorted.”
Spoiler alert: it didn’t all go to plan.
And that’s why I’m here. That’s why Soft Landing exists.
🎧 What You’ll Hear on the Podcast
Soft Landing is a podcast for people who are:
– Preparing to immigrate
– Recently arrived in New Zealand
– Feeling lost, stuck, or homesick after the move
I share:
– Honest stories (including the stuff we often leave out)
– Mistakes we made (so you don’t have to)
– Encouragement when it all feels overwhelming
📘 What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. In Episode 2, I’ll walk you through our first few weeks in NZ what worked, what flopped, and what I wish we had known before landing.
📢Stay Connected
Follow my Soft Landing podcast and subscribe to my YouTube channel @softlandingnz for real stories, walkthroughs, and practical tips for newcomers to New Zealand. 📍 All links & platforms: https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz
Looking for support and a community in New Zealand?
Join our Soft Landing Inner Circle Community.
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