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British families explore the idea of moving to Australia or New Zealand. A hectic pace of life has made the Mrengo family decide to give New Zealand a try.

The Mrengo family are proud to call Britain their home since settling in Birmingham 18 years ago. Recently they feel they have reached something of a crossroads in their lives. Their hectic pace of living has made them think they need a better work-life balance if they are to have any quality family life with each other and their two young children.

Mwakere Mrengo is originally from Tanzania and works in IT. He met Jana from the Czech Republic at the turn of the millennium. Meeting each other wasn't part of either's life plan but they fell in love, got married and decided to settle in the UK. They bought a house and when Samuel, followed by Tamara, were born, their UK roots were strengthened even more.

Soon Mwakere's ever-expanding commitments to his job were getting in the way of having any time with his young family. When his small son Samuel offered him the contents of his piggy bank to 'buy' some time with his dad, Mwakere knew things simply had to change.

They have friends who recently moved to New Zealand, and Mwakere is envious of what he hears from them about their work-life balance. He wants to see if it could work for his family. Across one week, they see the sort of life they could lead, and afford, if they were to move to New Zealand.

45 minutes

The Mrengo family update

At the moment the Mrengo family are still living in the UK but are working hard and hoping to move down under in the next few years.聽

Mwakere and Jana both went back to college. Jana finished a course specialising in autism and Mwakere is currently completing an IT course. They are hoping this will give them a better chance in the future.

The family is still optimistic about moving despite the long wait, but are confident their patience will be rewarded.

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Nicki Chapman
Executive Producer Paul Connolly
Series Producer Jacqui Berkeley
Production Manager Joy Hines

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