Paddy and Alan

Alan and Paddy find their B&B is a fun project they do together.

They have been married 42 years and are still waiting to have a row. Paddy says Alan is great at cooking steak and a dab hand at pancakes in the morning. Paddy sets the table and chats with the guests.

The art of hospitality and conversation is as natural as breathing for Paddy. Her mother immigrated from Ireland as an adventurous 21 year old in 1932 and met Paddys father, another immigrant from Derbyshire.

Alan, Paddy and their children travelled to Ireland, as New Zealanders do. When they were there Paddy kissed the Blarney Stone against her families advice. They thought gaining further eloquence of speech could be hazardous for her.

They now have 12 grandchildren.

Reefton was founded on, and named for, a gold-laden quarts reef. Mining has continued on the same reef since the 1870s. Alan works as a gold assayer for Oceana Gold, to keep the operation on the right track.