A group of civic-minded locals in the South Otago town of Kaitangata - since formalised as the Kaitangata Housing Project - hit international headlines in 2016 when it began to promote affordable house-and-land packages in the former coal-mining stronghold.
The campaign took off after it was picked up by international media and, at the time, led to tens of thousands of inquiries from across the world.
In the end, eight houses were completed as part of the original "Kai Build" campaign.
However, unanticipated obstacles meant the project did not conform fully to the detail of project leader Evan Dick’s original vision - to provide affordable homes for young working families.
In an effort to realise that vision, in February last year the group secured 10 further sections in Kaitangata with the financial assistance of Clutha District Council, supplemented with an $800,000 construction loan from the Tindall Foundation.
Yesterday, the first of those homes was formally handed over to its new owners, South Otago couple Fleur (34) and Bradon (33) Maguire.
Mother-of-five Mrs Maguire said the move to the $450,000, three-bedroom property was a "dream come true".
"We’re moving back home where Bradon was born and where we have family. It’s amazing to have our own place in this great little town, and we’re just so grateful for the opportunity the trust is giving to families like ours."
Mr Maguire, a shearer, said he was pleased to leave rental accommodation in Balclutha behind.
"You’ve got the great outdoors on hand here. We’re looking forward to giving our kids the childhood experiences we had growing up."
Mr Dick said he and the trust were "proud" to have fully realised the project’s vision at last.
"The original project was flawed in its execution, but we learnt from that.
"It’s been a long road to get here, but there’s nothing like being told you can’t do something to push you harder."
Mr Dick thanked the many contributors to the project, who he said would continue to support a further nine homes under construction.
"It’s been a truly collective effort, and one that will see a total of 22 homes completed by the end of next year."
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan paid credit to Mr Dick’s individual contribution.
"There’s a renewed pride in Kai, as more and more young families put down roots here and commit to a successful future in Clutha.
"That’s thanks in no small part to Evan’s passion and drive," Mr Cadogan said.
