Kiwi Journalist's London Revelation: Career Boom and Housing Upgrade
In a striking personal account, a New Zealand journalist who relocated to London has detailed the significant cultural and lifestyle differences she has encountered since making the transcontinental move. Vita Molyneux, a travel reporter, made the journey in March 2024 and has since developed a profound appreciation for the bustling English capital, even going so far as to describe it as a substantial upgrade on her former life back in New Zealand.
Career Opportunities and Media Industry Contrasts
Speaking candidly about her professional life, Molyneux revealed how she was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of career opportunities available in the United Kingdom. She explained that the media industry in New Zealand is, in her words, on its knees, creating a struggle to maintain a viable career there. In stark contrast, she found the UK offered not only higher pay but also a much greater range of work within her field, providing a more stable and prosperous professional pathway.
Housing Quality: A Surprising British Advantage
One of the most unexpected positives for Molyneux has been the quality of housing in Britain. While many UK natives frequently complain about housing issues, the journalist offers a different perspective based on her experiences. She describes housing in New Zealand as unbelievably poor-quality, a situation she grew tired of enduring.
Common issues she faced included:
- Extremely expensive rental costs
- Prevalent damp and mould problems
- A general lack of double glazing in properties
- Limited use of central heating systems
These conditions often left her ill during the winter months. The presence of double glazing and more widespread central heating in UK homes has been a particularly welcome improvement, offering better comfort and energy efficiency.
The Double-Edged Sword of Community and Anonymity
Molyneux also touched upon the social dynamics of her move. While she misses the lovely sense of community that characterises life in New Zealand, she acknowledges it can be a double-edged sword, with everyone tending to know each other's business. London, by contrast, provides the sense of anonymity she craved, allowing for greater personal privacy and freedom.
Balanced Perspective on Homeland
Despite her positive experiences in London, Molyneux insists she maintains a deep love for New Zealand and always will. However, she notes that many people have romanticised the country into a version that doesn't quite match the everyday reality for its residents.
Migration Trends Between the UK and New Zealand
The movement between these two nations is not one-way. According to recent census data, there are currently 122,571 British and Irish people living in New Zealand. A report from removals company John Mason International notes an increase in outbound moves from the UK to New Zealand in 2025.
Popular destinations for UK migrants include:
- Christchurch
- Wellington
- Hamilton
These locations are often chosen over Auckland. Simon Hood, the company's owner, suggests this trend is influenced by New Zealand's visa system, which awards extra points to skilled migrants who live outside Auckland, providing them with a faster route to residency.
Broader Immigration Patterns
Aside from British nationals, Hood identifies South Africans and Australians as significant inbound markets for New Zealand. South Africans are often emigrating for safety, stability, and job opportunities in sectors like healthcare and engineering.
Furthermore, New Zealand has modified its golden visa programme, an immigration scheme that grants residency to foreigners who make substantial investments. According to immigration advisory firm Henley & Partners, there has been a remarkable 500 per cent increase in applications for this programme so far this year compared to the whole of 2024, indicating a growing international interest in the country.
This complex tapestry of migration stories highlights the ongoing exchange of people and perspectives between the United Kingdom and New Zealand, with individuals like Vita Molyneux finding new opportunities and improved living standards on foreign shores while maintaining affection for their roots.
