On November 18, 1996 John and Annette Blackler stepped into the hospitality industry as publicans in the small town of Nightcaps in Western Southland.
On October 29, 2014, almost 19 years later, they both poured a pint for the last time, leaving an indust-ry they had grown to love.
Moving to Nightcaps from the West Coast was a big lifestyle change for the pair but they would not have had it any other way.
Mrs Blackler said they were given one piece of advice when they began as publicans in the small Southland town.
''You don't tell the locals how to run the pub, the locals tell you.''
And for the past 19 years that is exactly what they have done.
They had seen many changes in the community and in the industry, from the big change to dairy farming to the introduction of liquor into supermarkets, as well as the ban on smoking in bars.
It had all meant they had to adjust and go through some good and bad times.
Offering accommodation had seen them make friends for life, including one boarder who had stayed with them for 13 years.
They had regular visitors from Australia and even further afield, who they stayed in regular contact with, Mrs Blackler said.
''The hardest part in leaving is saying goodbye to the people,'' she said.
Miners, freezing workers, truck drivers and shepherds had all made the pub a hub of activity and it was sad for the Blacklers to say goodbye.
The community had become extended family.
They couple had always run raffles for local clubs and supported sports teams as well as running the pokie machines through the Lions club.
They had had some fantastic staff over the years, including Sally Booth who had been there with them from the start.
But after four and a-half years with the hotel on the market and 19 years as publicans it was time to pass on the keys and step back from the 24/7 publican lifestyle and enjoy some time to themselves, the Blacklers said.
By Nicole Sharp