March Newsletter

​Welcome to the newsletter from Distance Families

DISTANCE FAMILIES NEWS

To leave or not to leave?… that is the question
“Are you safe?”
“Are you leaving?”
These are the messages filling expat Sonaya William’s inbox as she lives and works in the Middle East. Right now, similar questions are landing for many living in Mexico too. For some intergenerational distance families these events are of grave importance. How is each generation of affected families supposed to think? What’s the right thing to say to your loved ones who are sitting in these troubled lands?
These questions come from love. From care. From the natural instinct to pull the people we love out of harm’s way. But is leaving always the right decision in the moment?
I highly recommend Sonaya’s article on Risk Tolerance vs. Risk Capacity. Whether you’re the expat or migrant navigating uncertainty on your doorstep — or the family member watching from afar — this piece validates the emotion, while offering a grounded framework for decision-making.

​When the rules change
On 25 February, new rules came into effect for travellers entering the United Kingdom. The UK introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), similar to the US ESTA — a quick, online approval linked electronically to your passport.
However, a second change has surprised many dual citizens. If you were born in the UK, or are entitled to UK citizenship through a parent, you are now expected to enter the country on a UK passport. Travelling on another passport — such as a New Zealand passport — is no longer acceptable in those circumstances.
As someone born in New Zealand to a UK-born father, I hold dual UK/New Zealand citizenship. Although I previously had a UK passport, I have travelled to Britain for years using only my New Zealand passport. Under the new rules, I must now apply for a new UK passport and use it to enter the country. 

Importantly, your current ‘other’ passport must be submitted (original, not a copy) with your UK passport application, meaning you cannot travel internationally while it is being processed. For families spread across the globe, this requires careful planning.
If you hold dual UK citizenship, plan your application timing carefully, ensure all paperwork is accurate, and keep old passports — they may be needed. For official guidance, visit the UK government website

---

BOOK SERIES NEWS

​The job is DONE!
It feels wonderful to have Being a Distance Grandchild out in the world — and even more meaningful to share that the Distance Families Book Series is now complete.
In 2020, I announced that I would write three books. At the time, I had no idea what the journey would require, but I’m incredibly proud to have honoured that commitment.
This work has been deeply enriching, shaped by powerful conversations and shared stories — some joyful, some bittersweet. Each one has contributed to a collection that I hope validates, encourages, and supports families separated by distance.
With the series now finished, I’m honoured to offer a single, comprehensive resource grounded in research, lived experience, and insight — one that raises the 

profile of intergenerational families navigating life ​across the miles. My hope is that these books not only inform, but also inspire deeper empathy, strengthen bonds, and renew appreciation for the enduring power of family — no matter the distance.

Media activity
The media machines are revving up. I have radio interviews booked and a bunch of articles and reviews will appear in the press. Here's the first activity:
New Zealand Booklovers Q & A
The Westerly see a couple of pages in on the left.
In-person or live events are listed on the website's Events page.

---

ON THE HOME FRONT

IKEA excursion
On a really hot Sunday afternoon, we decided to escape the heat of our sunny apartment and headed to the brand new and first-in-New Zealand IKEA. Now I know those of you who have live convenient to an IKEA will be wondering what the fuss is about, but when you live far from the rest of the world and Amazon is oceans away, IKEA is a novelty. The Auckland IKEA didn’t disappoint, and the air conditioning was fantastic! 
When I think of new expats setting up home around the world, I think of IKEA – it’s a one-stop shop for so many, offering good value, serviceable furniture and homeware. I have visited IKEAs in Hong Kong and Bangkok. There I was a tourist, conscious of my luggage allowance. It is quite a different thought process when home is a 30 minute drive way. I am pleased to report we still managed to come home with just a top-up supply of their sturdy, zip-lock plastic bags and some famous Swedish meatballs are in the freezer waiting to be consumed!

Edinburgh came to Auckland
Another outing was to the 75th Anniversary international version of the Edinburgh Tattoo. I went to the real thing in Scotland in 1979 (showing my age!). The Auckland one was held at Eden Park, most famous as the venue for many a rugby test featuring our world-famous All Blacks. The local performers from Pasifika and Maori groups were stunning. However, the real thing back in Edinburgh with its castle as the backdrop is hard to beat.

​Take care until next time
Helen Ellis
 
*** Not registered to receive this monthly newsletter? You may register on the right of this page ***
 
*** Please forward this newsletter to others who may enjoy it. Thank you! ***