Jessica Devonport still marvels at the honesty and generosity of her new Central Otago community.

Seeking a slower pace of life and wholesome opportunities for their children, Jessica and her husband Marty made the decision to relocate to Alexandra at the end of 2024, after Marty secured a position as a building inspector. It didn’t take long for them to feel they had made the right choice.

One of the first things that struck Jessica was the openness of the people around her. She laughs when recalling her early experiences scrolling through local social media pages.

“We’ve got apricots, help yourself,” she remembers reading, a small gesture that felt wonderfully refreshing compared with what she’d seen on social media in the past.

Her first impression of Alexandra transported her back to her childhood in Australia. A place where life felt safe, and people were nurturing. “It was like being a kid again,” she said.

The kindness continued on her street. “Our neighbourhood is so generous. We had neighbours dropping off food for the kids’ lunch boxes, offers of furniture and one special neighbour even knitted me a jersey.” (She provided the mohair.)

Jessica and Marty first met in Taupō, where she had originally planned a simple working holiday. Born in Australia and proud of her Swiss heritage, Jessica was drawn to the landscapes of Aotearoa and has called New Zealand home since 2009.

She began her New Zealand career as a musculoskeletal therapist at DeBretts Spa before completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Teaching, a profession she has loved for the past 14 years.

Her background in education has now led her to Central Otago REAP, where she works as the early childhood and schools team leader, coordinating education programmes and whānau support across the region.

“REAP has been the best place to make friends and merge into the community.

“Many of our courses run over several weeks, so you naturally connect with people. Something that’s vital in rural settings.”

Find out more about their programmes and courses on The Central App.

Jessica and Pip enjoying some mother daughter bonding. Image: supplied

Outside of work, Jessica has embraced Central Otago life with enthusiasm. A lover of health and craft, she has joined a gym, taken up pottery, and is perfecting the art of sourdough baking. 

She admits being initially hesitant about the limited retail options compared to the lakeside resort towns she was used to browsing. But those doubts quickly faded.

“Alexandra and Clyde have so many hidden gems,” she says. “It’s been exciting discovering these beautiful shops, and the assistants are all so friendly.”

Living in Central Otago, she has discovered, means planning ahead. 

Particularly when balancing children’s sport and the travel that comes with it. Whether it’s maximising what each nearby town offers or ordering essentials online, she sees it all as part of the rhythm of rural life.

The move hasn’t been without challenges. Loneliness, especially in those early weeks, was the hardest hurdle.

“Not knowing anyone at the supermarket when you do your weekly grocery shop is hard,” she admits.

But the personal growth that each family member has experienced since relocating has made the transition worthwhile.

“Despite the challenges, it feels right. Central Otago has given us space to breathe, to connect, and to grow.”

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