Burj Al Arab to Nelson

The Jayatunge family moved to Nelson from Sri Lanka six years ago. Leonard (Leo) Jayatunge, originally from Sri Lanka and his wife Anu Correia, from India, and children Jordan (8) and Rio (14), have made Nelson their “forever home.” Justin Eade explores how their story unfolded.

We met in Dubai while working at the Burj al Arab, a seven-star hotel. Leo was working as a bartender, and I was a restaurant hostess. We were very young. After two years of friendship, we got married in India. Later, as Leo was an only child and his parents needed him, we moved back to Sri Lanka. There, Leo was worked as a food and beverages manager, and I worked as a tour manager for a UK-based travel company. (Anu)

Our journey to New Zealand began when Sri Lanka’s economy was deteriorating, making it increasingly difficult to secure a stable future for our two children. Faced with these challenges, we decided to move. New Zealand emerged as the best option due to its diverse culture, natural beauty, and welcoming environment. We started researching our options for relocation and prioritised my dream of completing my studies. Both Leo and I were in the hospitality industry, so I decided to pursue a course in International Business. The decision to move was
not easy, but we were determined to provide a better life for our children. Despite the challenges, we were motivated by the prospect of a brighter future. Our first choice was actually Auckland so I could complete my studies. However, we discovered that NMIT had the right syllabus for what I wanted to do, also we saw that Nelson was a touristy place, and since we were both into hospitality, we felt it would be a good fit. (Anu)

Here in Nelson, I transitioned from 22 years in hospitality to a role as a senior supervisor at New World, which I’m enjoying as the hours are kinder to family life compared to hospitality. Anu used to work as a hotel manager in Nelson but, due to flooding issues, she’s now temporarily doing admin for a property management group. It was very difficult to adjust to being here at first, but now, in our sixth year here, it’s getting easier. (Leo)

The beauty of Nelson really mesmerised us. We come from big cities, so Nelson was quite slow for us, but we were happy because it’s something different. There’s no chaos or too much overcrowding, and wherever we want to go, we can get there in five minutes, compared to Sri Lanka, where it’s very chaotic… noise, sound… always so busy. When we landed, it was July and it was really very cold for us, because in Sri Lanka it’s like 30 degrees or even 40 degrees in summer, but we’re used to it now. (Anu)

In terms of work, the main difference is here you have to learn to multi-task and manage short-staffed situations. From the hospitality environments I’m used to, there were always lots of staff, so you mainly just manage, it’s not so hands on. Here, I was the manager for Nahm for a couple of years and the Rutherford Hotel as well, and it was always busy, sometimes challenging, but overall really good. It took a couple of months to adjust, because in Dubai they would be very strict with staff, but here it’s a lot more easy-going. (Leo)

People in Nelson are really nice and friendly. We are Christians, so we were planning to find a church as soon as we got here. We got involved with the Mission Fellowship, who supported us through every challenge. I already had a few friends from my home country settled here too, and we have gotten involved in Sri Lankan and Indian events here, and always try to help out new people arriving. The church was very welcoming in supplying us with practical things too, like warm blankets and food, and was very sharing. (Leo)

It’s slower, but we love Nelson. It’s a very beautiful place, very calm, everything is easy. I can walk to work in 25 to 30 minutes. We like the sun. We plan to settle down here and bought a house about a year ago, so this is our final destination. (Leo)

We thought this is best and for our children to grow up here, as it’s beautiful and safe. A lot of our friends who were studying with us at NMIT all moved to Auckland, or Wellington, or Christchurch, but we stayed here. (Anu)

Rio really enjoys Nelson College, and he’s in the school teams for cricket and basketball. In cricket, he has achieved Player of the Year for Wakatu Cricket club Under-16’s as an all-rounder. He’s also doing well in his studies. (Leo)

Jordan goes to Hampden St School; it’s very nice and close, and it’s a good school. She enjoys art, performs for Te Kakano kapa haka group, and loves singing. (Anu)

Favourite places to dine are Chokdee and A Taste of India. We love Tāhunanaui Beach and the Nelson Lakes area. (Leo)

New Zealand’s emphasis on work-life balance and community spirit has been a refreshing change for us. Our children have thrived in their new environment, enjoying both their education and the outdoor activities that the country offers. Meanwhile, my studies in International Business have equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge, setting the stage for potential entrepreneurial ventures in the future. (Anu)

Looking back, our decision to migrate to New Zealand has been one of the most significant and positive choices we have made for our family’s future. We are grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have come our way and look forward to building a prosperous life in this beautiful country. (Leo)