Trying to land the dream recipient

Joel Parry is dreaming big.

Well, big for Heriot anyway.

The West Otago painter has 3ha of land in Heriot which he wants to give away.

But there is a catch.

Joel Parry and his fiancee Caitlin Barclay, holding their daughter Annabelle, want to give away...
Joel Parry and his fiancee Caitlin Barclay, holding their daughter Annabelle, want to give away 3ha of land in Heriot. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
He will not give it to just anyone.

He wants it to go to someone who will come up with an idea of enterprise and energy which will be good for the town — give Heriot, population about 100, a shot in the arm.

"It is a big piece of land and a nice piece of land. Great outlooks across the golf course," he said.

"If someone can come to me with something that will really help the town, really make it even better than it is now, then we can do some business."

Mr Parry, fiancee Caitlin Barclay, and children David, 3, Annabelle 18 months, with another on the way, are loving life in the town.

PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
"It is very quiet and everyone is friendly. Nothing happens really. The main street has a pub, a garage and can look a bit tired at times. If someone can come along and do something good for the town ...

"I’ve always had a vision for property. Used to live in Portobello but left Dunedin because of house prices. Came here and I love it."

He bought the 3ha of land in February for a cheap price — he would not say how much — and quickly decided to give it away.

"If someone wants to come along and say build 20 houses then we will have a look at it."

He joked Heriot residents were comparing him to US President Donald Trump — only he wanted to make Heriot great again, not America.