Originally from Enniskillen, Gillian Burnett moved to New Zealand in 2005 with her daughter, Crista. She currently lives in the city of Auckland in the North Island of New Zealand with her partner, Aaron Buchanan, and daughters, Crista and Erin.

Here Gillian talks to The Impartial Reporter about her work in New Zealand, what she misses about her Fermanagh home and her highlights of living abroad.

Where are you currently based and have you been there since you left Fermanagh? Where else have you lived outside of the UK/Ireland?

I am currently based in Auckland, New Zealand. I lived in London for two and a half years when I first left Fermanagh, before coming to New Zealand. I met a New Zealander and decided to move to New Zealand with him.

I heard that New Zealand was a very beautiful place to bring up a family; I saw it as an opportunity of a lifetime to see some of the world.

When did you leave Fermanagh and why did you originally leave?

My daughter, Crista, and I left Fermanagh in April, 2003, to work in hospitality in London for the Wetherspoon’s Pub company.

What are you currently doing?

Currently, I am an English Language tutor, teaching English as a second language to adults.

What do you miss most about home?

I miss friends and family the most. I also miss the snow at Christmas time.

Do you travel home often?

I haven’t travelled home since I arrived in New Zealand in September, 2005.

What has been a highlight of your time living abroad?

The highlight of living abroad for me was meeting so many people from different cultures. It has been amazing being able to travel around New Zealand, seeing places I had only ever read about.

The most memorable day for me was my first time going up Mount Ruapeu – one of the active volcanoes in New Zealand.

It was amazing being able to stand on a glacier and see the scenery from the summit.

Was it difficult settling into life in a new country?

I didn’t find it very difficult to settle in, because the people, like the Irish, were very friendly and welcoming.

To be honest, the first year was like a long holiday! It was very exciting, travelling around and seeing new places.

Have you faced many challenges?

I have faced challenges. I went through a divorce and stayed because I loved it here so much.

I have since met a new partner and have our daughter, Erin. It was hard having a baby, and my family not being here.

How have you found communicating across different time zones?

It can be challenging communicating over different time zones. It is helpful to arrange a time in advance.

Do you think you will ever move back to Fermanagh?

I plan a long holiday home to Fermanagh when able to. My daughter, Crista, has plans to move and live there in the future.