The Herons' villa at Waipiata burned to the ground, along with the bulk of their possessions, just weeks after they moved to the Maniototo from Auckland last winter.
With temporary accommodation now behind them, the family are enjoying their custom-built home on a permanent basis after moving into the house last weekend.
Builders have only just finished construction, with minor touches including painting yet to be completed, but Mr Heron said the family was eager to have their own space after more than a year without a proper home.
"We couldn't wait to get settled . . . as we have had six homes over the last four years. It felt really good to finally move into our new house," he said.
In keeping with their new country lifestyle, four or five chickens have moved to the property with the family.
Mr Heron, who is the Maniototo Area School principal, said celebrations would take place over the next few weeks.
"As a new principal, I had aimed to look at how to support the community when we arrived in July last year. Instead we were overwhelmed with the community's support for our family following the fire.
"Within hours we were offered accommodation and locals had stocked the kitchen with food, wine, and beer. Although the process of the rebuild has been slow because of the area's remoteness, the wait has been worthwhile," he said.
