I think it is true that people will naturally yearn for the old life that they grew accustomed to, especially children who have experienced nothing else. I have enormous sympathy for those who have to admit that it didn't work out for them. But the one thing that is unchangeable in life is that changes will happen; sometimes they just creep up on you and at other times they drop like a bomb.
I well remember moaning about 'old people' who are always harping on about 'the old days' and how wonderful they were. It seemed odd to me that they would prefer to live without central heating, fitted carpets, bathrooms, inside toilets and refrigerators etc. It took a total stranger to point out to me that these people had lived through the most accelerated period of change in history. When they were young the milkman came on a horse and ladled out their purchases into a jug; now man has walked on the moon and their whole understanding of the world has been slowly and inexorably turned around. "What they seek", said my advisor, " is a stable place where they can be safe and unchanged."
When we came here we accepted that a great deal would change, we came here for a change, and a change is what we will get no matter where we are in the world. It has been said, and to a degree it is true, that New Zealand is best described as England in the 60's. Much will change here in our lifetime too, I hope, as do many fellow forum members, that it if NZ catches up with the Uk it won't be the self serving society that we left so willingly and happily behind.