Craig Hickford always had planned to live in Central Otago, but the Christchurch earthquake in February meant the plan was bought forward a couple of years.
The new Poolburn School principal is only one week into his job, but has already found the location and the locals very welcoming.
"It is really impressive geographically and an incredible place ... and the people are fantastic." Mr Hickford (39) said there had not been a day since arriving when someone from the community had not visited.
His family, which includes wife Stacey, and two children Grace (3) and Toby (7 weeks), live in the school house on the school grounds.
"I don't think Grace has turned on the TV since we arrived.
"It is just so different from being in Christchurch during the middle of winter with liquefaction all around the house and not being able to go outside."
Both his home and Windsor school where he was a teacher were damaged in the earthquake.
"The house is pretty munted."
Even his passion for basketball was affected by the earthquake.
The team he coached, the Christchurch Cougars, had to pull out of the National Basketball League for the 2011 season.
Mr Hickford said what made Poolburn School special was the generational aspect, with many families having generations of involvement with the school.
"The parents have a real passion for education ... and are totally connected with the school."
Board of Trustees chairman Graham Sinnamon said the school had been lucky with the number of quality applicants for the job.
"Craig is very good and he ticks all of the boxes of what we wanted."
Mr Sinnamon also praised the former principal, Simon Waymouth, who he said did an exceptional job during the four years he was principal. Mr Waymouth is now principal at St Andrews Primary School in Timaru.
