And part of that process involves doing some research into what he might expect to pay for various goods and services.
His overarching impression?
''I cannot get over how ridiculously overpriced things are in New Zealand right now.
''For example, I am looking at buying a 4x4 when I get back. I currently drive a Honda CR-V 2002 with 95,000 miles [158,000km] on the clock. It's worth about 3000/$NZ6000, but to buy the equivalent back home I would be looking at paying at least $10,000, based on what is an average rate on TradeMe.
''As for my mobile phone, in the UK I use a new iPhone 5s and pay 32 ($NZ64) a month for unlimited minutes, texts, and 2GB of data. In New Zealand it's at least $99 per month for the equivalent. I understand that because NZ has a smaller population, it costs more to keep the infrastructure together and up to date, but $99 a month for a phone contract is just crazy.
''As for food prices, it may be better quality when it comes to fresh meat and produce, and I'm sure nobody minds paying the right price for quality and freshness, but in the UK I can buy New Zealand lamb for 7 ($NZ14) a kg from my local supermarket, a 250g pack of New Zealand butter for 1 ($NZ2) and a kilogram of New Zealand apples for 1.25 ($NZ2.50).''
Mr McNaughton-Law, who grew up in Dunedin and has spent the past seven years in the UK, currently lives near Liverpool, where he works as a catering manager for a multinational catering company.
''My wage is 25,000 [$NZ50,000] per year plus a bonus [before tax]. If I had the same job in New Zealand, I would expect around $38,000-$40,000 per year.
On his return, Mr McNaughton-Law plans to study plant biotechnology at the University of Otago. He understands his income will be limited to part-time work. Therefore, he and his partner will be living with his parents on Saddle Hill.
''Even though my partner will be working, I don't feel we could afford to live in our own home until I will be working full-time again. We are not sure where we will finally settle, but by the looks of the current job market it will most likely be Christchurch or the North Island.
''I love my home country, but the one and only downfall is the cost of living.''
