But that was not always the case for Riverton farm manager Aldrene Fabela, who made many sacrifices in a search for "much more greener pastures and opportunities''.
Originally from the Philippines, where he completed a bachelor of agricultural science degree and was a qualified teacher, Mr Fabela came to New Zealand in 2007.
Arriving in winter from a tropical country, he found the weather alone enough to acclimatise to, let alone the homesickness.
His first experience of snow was fun - "like a little kid'' - having only seen it in photographs or on television.
However, the first two weeks were not fun as he battled extreme cold. He did not know how to use the electric blanket he was provided with and was worried he would get electrocuted if he switched it on.
Instead, he wore layers of clothing to bed to keep warm but he was still cold.
When his boss told him he needed to use it, he initially was scared and thought he should stay awake.
Mr Fabela began his career in the dairy industry as an assistant herd manager on a Milton dairy farm.
He was the first Filipino worker in the area. He was homesick, had nobody to talk to, it was "pretty damn cold'' and he regretted the move.
His goal had been to work in New Zealand and save money for three years before returning to the Philippines and a teaching career.
But all that changed when he checked his bank account and "started seeing light at the end of the tunnel''.
After a month, Mr Fabela asked his cousin, who was working at Otautau, if he knew anyone looking for staff in that area.
He moved south in December 2007 for another position as assistant herd manager. But it felt much better. He was closer to his cousin, there were a few other Filipinos around and the homesickness started fading.
He became happy and motivated and "raring to learn every aspect of what dairy farming is all about''.
After six months, he was promoted to herd manager, which was both a good challenge and a good responsibility.
Wanting to know the scientific theory behind the dairy industry, he enrolled in Primary ITO studies.
"I want to be like my boss, like everybody else. On the top,'' he reflected.
In 2009, he was one of the finalists in the trainee of the year in the regional dairy industry awards.
That same year, he became an assistant farm manager, so his responsibility was becoming larger and he was starting to make big decisions in day-to-day operations on the farm.
In 2012, Mr Fabela moved to Riverton to work as farm manager for Ross and Donna McKenzie and he has been there ever since.
"They are one of the best bosses around, if not the best. I'm very lucky to have them as my boss. My goal is to be there forever, if I can,'' he said.
Being farm manager was a "huge responsibility''. In 2017, he entered the dairy manager of the year competition, which gave him more confidence and experience as well as an opportunity to meet people in the industry and help him discover more about himself.
When it came to a career in the dairy sector, he believed in a "never-say-die'' attitude.
"If you have flexibility, personality and the passion, dedication, commitment and stickability, you're not going to go wrong.
"It can change your life, in my case, it can change your future,'' he said.
Earlier this year, Mr Fabela was granted New Zealand citizenship which was a proud moment.
"Now I'm proud to say I'm a proud Kiwi. I'm a proud Southlander.''
