I’ve worked with hundreds of families relocating to New Zealand. The first few weeks are often the toughest as jetlag, decision fatigue and unfamiliar surroundings take a toll on parents and kids.
Thanks to COVID, we are now seeing more Kiwi expat families returning home too - but with the added challenge of 14 days managed isolation on arrival.
How managed isolation works
Quarantine, managed isolation, MIQ – it’s all the same thing. You and your family are confined to hotel rooms, with regular COVID tests until you’ve passed the 2-week incubation period for the virus. These facilities are run by the New Zealand government.
This is not something most parents and kids would choose to do. There will be bad days, confined to a small space with limited activities. But overall, getting through successfully comes down to mindset and thinking ahead.
Here are our top tips for families facing MIQ
Pre-arrival
#1: Expect the worst
The set-up for families varies a lot between managed isolation facilities, and there’s no control over where you’ll end up.
Prepare the kids for a basic hotel room and limited outside exercise options. Then the family will be super-impressed if you luck out with a suite or serviced apartment.
Facilities are spread throughout the country, so it's wise to bring extra snacks in case there’s another flight or bus trip to the hotel after landing in New Zealand.
#2: Focus on the facts.
Facebook groups are useful for hearing about the experiences of others. But remember the situation is constantly changing and can be quite different from family to family.
The government’s MIQ website is a more accurate information source. It outlines the process for getting through the airport then checked into your hotel, and how MIQ works, with information on everything from laundry to mental health support.
#3: Control what you can control - bring lifesavers.
Much of the MIQ experience is out of your hands. Some people say it feels like being back in kindergarten, where the teacher decides everything from mealtimes to when you can go outside. But you do have power over what is packed in your luggage.
So get creative about will make life better for you and your family.
Comfort items build an instant sense of home for little ones, like favourite blankets or soft toys.
Multipurpose playthings provide hours of entertainment such as balloons, play scarves and art supplies.
Treats and surprises can be stored away and revealed at critical moments.
Practicalities to support your family’s needs are a big help, like a sharp knife and chopping board for cutting fruit, basic cutlery sets (hotels generally supply disposable only), adaptors and a picnic rug for young children to eat on.
Video games or downloaded movies provide offline options in case Wi-Fi is unreliable.
In MIQ:
#4: Deliveries are your friend.
Options do differ between hotels, but assume you’ll be able to order in groceries, nappies, take-aways and other online shopping, or have friends/family drop things off for you (if your hotel is in same city). Alcohol can only be bought from the hotel though, and other items like toasters may not be allowed.
Be aware that a online orders often require a Kiwi mobile phone number, so set that up as soon as possible, or even pre-arrival.
#5: Just ask.
If there’s something that would help your family, don’t hesitate to approach the staff about it. For the most part they seem willing to help when possible. For example, one hotel was happy to schedule health checks around a baby’s naptimes.
#6: Check emotions.
Everyone experiences isolation differently.
Some families find the first few days hardest, adjusting to the restrictions and finding a new routine. Others observe kids getting more stressed and acting out as the days build up.
Children follow the lead of their parents so self-care for adults is important.
Find a way for each adult to have daily break, when their partner takes sole responsibility for the kids or they are planted in front of a movie.
#7 Look to the future.
Kids (and parents) love a good countdown, so mark milestones in quarantine with special treats or check off a calendar.
Mentally it helps everyone to stay focussed on the big picture.
This is just a short period before starting life in New Zealand, reuniting with friends/family, getting back to school, and settling into a long-term home.
The author of this post, Bridget Romanes, is Founder of Mobile Relocation. Many thanks also to Amanda Sadlier (recent MIQ survivor and Mum of three young children) for her valuable input.
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