Returning to a familiar southern setting is a dream come true for new Balclutha supermarket owner Josh Lee.
Mr Lee and his wife and daughters moved into ‘‘the old family crib at Kaka Point’’ over summer and the couple became the owner-operators of the local New World on February 16.
‘‘This has been the dream my whole life,’’ Mr Lee said.
‘‘It just shows how strong the ties are here. Those connections add to it and make being at the store even more meaningful.’’
Originally from Gore, Mr Lee began his Foodstuffs career at 15, stacking shelves after securing a part-time job with help from his mother.
‘‘I’m eternally grateful to Mum for that. She backed me from the start and I wouldn’t have this opportunity without the support from her and my wife, Lily.’’
He progressed through two decades in the industry to manage two Christchurch stores and was mentored by previous Balclutha New World owners Jason Dobson and Phill Blackburn before securing the opportunity to shift back south last December.
‘‘It’s only been the last couple of years that owning a store has started to become a realistic possibility,’’ he said.
They moved fast, and Mrs Lee and the girls were in Kaka Point for Christmas, a place Mr Lee has known since childhood through relatives around the Catlins.
‘‘It’s just incredible to be here, familiar, friendly, everyone’s up for a yarn . . .Nana is up the road in Owaka,’’ he said.
The girls have already had an introduction to rural living, with their father buying them a 50cc motorbike to learn on.
‘‘It’s a pretty special place to grow up,’’ Mr Lee said.
‘‘Looking outside, walking along the beach, even the short drive into Balclutha is nostalgia 101.’’
Mr Lee said the welcome he and his family had received from Clutha and the supermarket staff in particular was an inspiration for the next part of his journey.
‘‘I want the store to be a place that makes a positive difference for the people that work and shop here, and a hub for our community,’’ Mr Lee said.