More than 180 people from all over New Zealand and as far afield as Wales gathered to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Walter and Samuel Inder's arrival in Otago.
The brothers were from Martock in Somerset, England. They moved first to Australia and then set sail for Dunedin, arriving in 1862, reunion convener Sam Inder, of Naseby, said.
"With a number of horses and a quantity of merchandise brought from Australia, they then began transporting goods to the goldfields, initially to Wetherstons, Lawrence, then on to Dunstan, where they settled temporarily, transporting freight to Fox's [Arrowtown], before moving to Blackstone Hill [Hills Creek], " Mr Inder said.
"They purchased the Great Eastern gold mine on the Rough Ridge, an event that was reported as a 'veritable bargain', during this period."
Samuel remained at Blackstone Hill and in 1864 built the Prince Alfred Hotel, bakery, butchery and livery stables - one of the first permanent buildings in that village, where he became a leading community figure.
Walter moved to Hamilton's and then settled in Naseby, setting up as a cattle dealer and butcher. He was instrumental in establishing the first auctioneering business in the district and starting the successful Mt Buster mining company.
Like his brother, he also took a leading role in local organisations, Mr Inder said. He bought land in several parts of the Maniototo and some of that is still in family hands, being farmed today by his great-great-grandson Mark Inder.
The reunion celebrations began on Friday with a get-together and finished yesterday after a church service and barbecue lunch.
Those at the reunion had the chance to tour places in the district where the family had lived and worked.
James Lowther, representing Walter's side of the family, travelled from Wales to take part.
He said it was great catching up with his relatives and looking at all the faces; there was a definite "family likeness".
