It's the ultimate endorsement when the man responsible for a unique coastal development chooses to make it his permanent home.
Leigh Hopper, who is behind Whitianga Waterways, moved into his brand new house in the community in June, and couldn't be happier.
"We're still putting the finishing touches to the house, but I've got a great new home, my boat's right outside, there's a glamping compound for my friends and family to come and stay and I'm in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Life's good."
Hopper, managing director of Hopper Developments, is typical of many of the people being drawn to Whitianga Waterways in search of a better lifestyle.
"I've had a gutsful of city life, I hate the traffic. I love boating and fishing and it's fantastic here – Whitianga is a magic piece of New Zealand's coastline."
Due to retire next year, Hopper says he expected he'd have to travel back up to Auckland at least once a week for work in the meantime: "But technology these days makes it much easier to work from wherever you are. You've got the internet, you've got video conferencing, you can do a lot of work from home and then go out on your boat straight afterwards."
He can enjoy that lifestyle now, in a place named as New Zealand's number one town for best quality of life by Motu Economic in 2018, thanks to a lightbulb moment he had back in 1996.
Flying over Whitianga on his way to Pauanui, where Hopper Developments was working on Pauanui Waterways, he spotted a pocket of land behind the township, and could immediately see the potential for a similar residential development set around man-made canals.
"I come from a background of earthmoving and I could see what you could create."
After buying a 175-acre farm and putting together a concept plan for a world-class development, he cold-called neighbouring farmers and managed to secure more land. Work started in 2000 and is now about halfway through.
There are a variety of sections available, including those like the one Hopper bought for himself – on the canal and including private moorings.
Sites not right on the waterfront have access to shared boat ramps, so all residents have the chance to make the most of the canals, which are also suitable for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding as well as boating. There are public beaches and plenty of green space.
Meanwhile an existing runway at the neighbouring aerodrome was lengthened; adjoining sections will suit pilots who want to be able to park their planes alongside their homes.
There are currently two commercial airlines flying from Whitianga to Ardmore Airport but more may become interested in adding the town to their routes in the future.
"Obviously flying makes it very quick and easy to get to Whitianga – but it is also only a two and a half hour drive from Auckland," Hopper points out.
The development features two man-made islands within the system of canals, with a selection of sections on the second island recently becoming available to purchase.
When completed, there will be around 1500 homes in the community.
Once Whitianga Waterways is finished, there will be a marine precinct with berths and dry stack, a hotel and resort, retirement villages, a medical centre and a retail/commercial village with premises made from containers.
"That will be a tourist destination in itself, very quirky, quaint and classy," says Hopper.
The Whitianga Waterways team has also thought of special touches, like a floating restaurant that will host events like a Christmas cruise designed to encourage residents to socialise.
"A lot of the people moving in have come from further afield, like me, and don't know many people so it is a nice way of getting to know each other," says Hopper.
"People are very friendly anyway in this part of the country – they're in the same frame of mind and very relaxed because it is such an exceptional lifestyle."