Soft Landing NZ

By Brett Corlett | Soft Landing Podcast

Introduction

As many of you know, I’m passionate about sharing my journey as an immigrant to New Zealand, both the good and the challenges. Recently, my family went through one of the toughest weeks of our lives when our daughter suddenly became very ill. In this blog, I want to share our experience at New Zealand’s children’s hospitals, specifically Starship in Auckland, to give you an honest, first-hand look at the healthcare system here.

When It All Began

It all started with what seemed like a simple ear infection. As most parents know, kids pick up bugs easily at school, and we thought this was nothing unusual. But within a few days, our daughter’s symptoms became more worrying, including severe ear pain, unusual diarrhoea, and a sudden pale complexion.

The Struggle to See a Doctor

One challenge in New Zealand is getting a quick GP appointment. Often it can take days, sometimes a week. We did manage an online consultation and got antibiotics, but things didn’t improve, in fact, they got worse. By the weekend, we knew we had to take her to emergency.

Heading to Starship Hospital

Friends advised us to go straight to Starship in Auckland, the specialist children’s hospital. Although it meant driving into the city and waiting hours in triage, it turned out to be the best decision. The staff there were incredible, thorough, patient, and compassionate.

Tests, Waiting, and Fear

Over several days, our daughter went through countless tests – bloods, x-rays, scans, ultrasounds, and even the possibility of invasive surgery. As parents, this was the scariest time of our lives. We questioned everything, researched endlessly, and had to make heartbreaking decisions about possible procedures. The doctors, nurses, and play therapists at Starship were phenomenal in supporting not only our daughter, but us as parents too.

The Diagnosis

Eventually, after a tense and emotional few days, the doctors found the cause, a stomach ulcer that had led to internal bleeding. It was a massive relief to know what was wrong and that it could be treated without major surgery. She was given the right treatment and is now on the road to recovery.

What We Learned

This experience showed me a few important things:
– The healthcare system here, while sometimes slow to access, is strong where it matters most.
– Starship Hospital is an incredible facility, with staff who genuinely care about children and families.
– The community support in New Zealand is something truly special, from friends, colleagues, and even our daughter’s school.
– Workplaces in New Zealand really do live the ‘family first’ culture, encouraging us to focus on our child during this crisis.

Advice for Other Parents

If you’re ever in Auckland and your child becomes very unwell, don’t waste time at smaller local emergencies, head straight to Starship. Be patient with the waiting process; the triage system means your child will be seen based on urgency, but you’ll be in the right place with the best care.

Final Thoughts

This was one of the hardest weeks of my life as a parent, but it reinforced to me that we made the right decision moving to New Zealand. The healthcare system, the culture of family-first, and the incredible community support are things I am so grateful for. If you’re an immigrant or considering the move, I hope our story gives you both reassurance and practical insight.

🎧 Listen to Episode 19

➡️ https://youtu.be/9D16vuNLyC0?si=ql-7p6b_rml20wLH

📢 Stay Connected

I’d love your help.
The Inner Circle App is coming soon — a free space for migrants to connect, learn, and belong in New Zealand. We’d love your input! Help us shape it so it truly supports your needs.

https://forms.gle/FuTEd7cMwv7jzSK56

Follow my Soft Landing podcast and subscribe to my YouTube channel @softlandingnz for real stories, walkthroughs, and practical tips for newcomers to New Zealand. 
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