Queenstown's Lakes Weekly Bulletin celebrated its 200th issue last week.
Editor and founder Scott Stevens said the first issue, which hit the streets on July 5, 2005, was a simple photocopied piece of paper.
It had private advertisments borrowed from noticeboards and very little else, he said.
The aim was to provide a noticeboard and information service to the community.
Private classified advertisements were free, but businesses paid a fee.
Over four years, small steps had been taken to develop the bulletin into what it is today.
He said he appreciated feedback, and took it on board as much as possible.
"It has been hard work because it's taken a long time to catch on, " he said.
