Stuart ''Podge'' Cochrane (66) is anticipating retirement and a winter skiing Queenstown's mountains at the end of this school term after 15 years as Queenstown Primary School's caretaker.
''There hasn't been a day that I haven't wanted to come to work,'' he said, and the job was a gratifying one.
''I don't know whether [it's because people] break things and you feel wanted.
''I don't really plan my day because it gets planned for me.''
The born and bred Queenstown man has seen the town expand from fewer than 1000 people to its current population of more than 20 times that and a day population of over 40,000 people.
The school, too, has expanded.
''There were around about 360-380 kids when I came here and just before Remarkables [primary] school opened we were up to 680-690.''
Since he arrived, the school has acquired 12 more classrooms, though four have been taken away - two were taken to Christchurch after the earthquakes and two are not at Remarkables Primary School.
''It's a very, very busy school.''
''Gradual'' changes he has witnessed include the school's pool being heated and the inclusion of years 7 and 8 pupils at Queenstown Primary School, rather than the pupils going to Wakatipu High School for their intermediate years.
The school's gardens have flourished and the field now has an irrigation system so it can be kept green for longer.
He has bought his ski pass for this winter, though he will not be getting out of his town in a hurry, as the keys to his motor home have been confiscated.
His wife, Sandy, is the school's deputy principal and holds the keys to the vehicle.
''I have to wait till she retires until I'm allowed out of the basin.''
