A person often known as 'Little John' who has lived in a collapse Otago, on New Zealand's South Island, for the previous decade has seen his father for the primary time in 25 years.
Final month, Stuff reported the story of Little John, who lives in a cave close to the township of Outram.
The story of the 57-year-old's life-style, which included him performing dentistry on himself and never accumulating any profit to outlive, was additionally learn by members of his estranged household, together with his Australia-based sister.
"It seems like a weight has been lifted, now not fearing the worst and questioning the place he was," she mentioned.
It additionally led to his Dunedin-based father contacting a neighborhood foodbank to trace him down.
Longtime supporter Michelle Kerr, of the Mosgiel Neighborhood Foodbank, mentioned it was "an enormous step for him".
Little John mentioned he knew his father's handle, however had not visited his residence since he returned south to dwell.
After not seeing one another for 25 years, father and son have been reunited on Wednesday.
Little John's father, who Stuff has agreed to not identify, mentioned it was a fantastic expertise.
The pair frolicked collectively, shared a meal, and Little John was capable of speak to his sister in Australia.
His father additionally instructed him his mom died in 2019.
The pair deliberate to catch up once more, he mentioned.
Little John mentioned there have been no ''main dust-ups'' between members of the family, however their separation got here after the demise of his brother which ''was simply so exhausting on the household''.
After the collapse of a relationship and battle with addictions, Little John moved to the cave to dry out.
And there he stayed for a lot of the previous decade.
It was in that cave, a number of kilometres from the closest human construction, the place he discovered peace with God, he mentioned.
''I've been nearer with my fellow Christians than I might ever be with my family.''
Little John mentioned life had been ''actually good'' since his story was printed.
It had helped break down some obstacles with native residents, together with some beforehand reticent motorists who now picked him up when he was hitchhiking.
A couple of weeks in the past 4 younger individuals went in search of him however initially failed to seek out his cave which was situated off the crushed observe.
''I heard somebody yelling out 'Little John', and I replied 'G'day'.''
Native kids have been additionally fascinated together with his story, however Little John suggested them there have been higher life decisions for them.
And whereas he had affords from aspiring 'cave girls', there have been ''not as many" as he would have appreciated.
He plans to spend the chilly Otago months within the cave as a result of he appreciated the winters there, he mentioned.
''For me it is pure, and pure is wholesome.''
Nor did he plan to assert the unemployment profit, or ultimately the pension.
The issue with claiming a profit was that it will give him entry to his addictions, he mentioned.
''Booze and smokes ... they've at all times been an issue, at all times can be.''
Now he smoked and drank at a a lot decrease degree ''principally as a result of I am unable to afford it''.
''For me, it was a extremely huge step, go off the dole and shut your checking account.
''This was a extremely highly effective step to take ... giving up on the Authorities help.''
He beforehand instructed Stuff he relied on about $500 a yr from doing odd jobs and utilised the native meals financial institution for provides.
''I dwell in a cave as a result of it's free ... and no one bugs me there.''