Just finished your book (in record time for me) outside of a beach holiday! Really enjoyed it, certainly brought back memories of our struggle to get here, in many ways it was a fair bit easier for Jane and me without any kids in tow.

Andy and Jane Meyer, The Bay (Hawkes Bay)

Your book arrived at 10am this morning and as my work was quiet... I have just finished it (9.30pm tonight). Congratulations on a book I just couldn't put down (well in-between jobs), very inspirational and filled with some great hints and tips.
Graeme Staddon

Dear Mike & Alex
I sent you a text on Thursday to say I had started reading the book on the train and that I was really enjoying it.
I think it is written in a similar way to the recent book by Dawn French ‘Dear Fatty’ which made the top seller list!!!
I am over half way through and feel I know you all really well now.
Susan J Corke
Director
PSS International Removals

I haven't finished the book yet but I am about half way through it.  I have though managed to steal it from Shaun!  
So far, I have found the book addictive. 
A lot of things we can identify with, and we have learnt a lot of things about you all!  You just assume when you meet someone like yourselves that you have sailed through the visa process, and it has all fallen into place for you, very ignorant of us I know.  It is great to read that you have come up against hurdles, like we all do, because this process is so long and stressful, you start to think the odds are stacked against you and only you! 
I love the image of you all running on to the plane late and wet through, that sounds like something that would happen to us! 
It's also good to read about "family" issues, as this is something we have experienced.  Like when your mum tells you she won't be flying long haul again, it's good to know you are not alone. 
The book is written exactly as you are, and it is a great insight into your lives before you became BritsNZ, as this is all people like us know you for.
Clare & Shaun

I personally have not started reading the book yet but my husband cannot put it down, he says it is the best book he has read out of all the books that we have purchased on emigration, very informative.
I really liked your personal message in the front of the book, very inspiring and a nice personal touch.
Karen Hughes


Alex
It’s one book that Ian and I have taken turns reading, a bit of competition going on as to who gets hold of it next!!!!!
It was like reliving the experience.
I know when we were looking at migrating I could find all the “cold facts” but what I wanted was the experience………………this book goes though this very well.
Good on you guys for opening up
I needed to know that other ‘mums’ had managed to settle even if the kids did ‘play up’.
That my instincts where right.
If they settle we settle and in fact the kids do settle a lot quicker than adults.
It was reassuring to see that it’s not ‘all roses’ and that there are problems which can be solved…
That there were others that have gone before and survived!
The practical hints are brilliant and make it more understandable - e.g. children, mobiles and airports do not mix!!!!
Alison Helliwell, now in Wellington……and loving it!


P.S. We got back to the Highlands at 8pm on Sunday and by 8pm last night I had read your book – which is the first book I have read cover to cover in about 6 years!! 
The book made me quite emotional a few times!  Tanya is now reading it.
Stuart McDonald


With regards to your book - "Last One Out Turn Off The Lights", I haven't quite completed reading all of it but I am about 3/4 through but wanted to comment on it so far. 
I thought it was really well written and humorous in places and takes you through all the emotions of such a life changing move. 
It is also very honest about how everyone was feeling and it is reassuring to know that it wasn't all plain sailing for you but it was your dream and you succeeded.  It just goes to show that with a little determination you can do anything!
I thought the letters home were especially poignant as although you made the effort to keep in touch, that it wasn't always reciprocated. 
I know Alex went through a lot of emotions as not everyone was as supportive as they could have been.  
I think the advice you offer is invaluable especially when you are contemplating moving to New Zealand as I am hopefully to do by Aug/Sept 2009. 
It is reassuring to know that, despite all the pitfalls you encountered, you have still managed to make New Zealand your permanent home and you can instantly see the attraction of moving there as you are such good ambassadors.
I think the one thing that shines through is that this was your dream and no matter how many challenges were put in your way, you overcame them and even managed to laugh about them along the way.
I would recommend this book to anyone as it is a snip and worth every penny!
I'm only glad that I attended the Emigrate Show in Ingilston in February2008 as I might never have met any of you and I might never have thought about turning my dreams into reality!
Karen McLean

Hi Mike,
Just a quick note to congratulate you on the book.  It's a terrific read. 
I was showing it to my sister-and-law at the weekend and she was really into it, even though she's never even thought about emigration herself.
Thanks also for the mentions - especially the tribute piece, which Caroline and I found really touching. 
We loved the heartfelt dedication from Alex too -- had us both sobbing!
Colin Marchant
Programme Director
Emigrate TV


Hi Mike + Alex
Firstly must say that your book proved a good read, lots valuable info.
We look forward to its sequel!
Michelle and Eric Dean
Norfolk but NZ bound!

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