A Kaitaia backpackers' lodge where the owner drugged and indecently assaulted 19 male guests has new owners and a bright new future.
Mainstreet Lodge in Kaitaia has been sold, with new owners Daniel Fasnacht and his partner Stefanie Ruscigno renaming it Beachcomber Lodge. They already own the Beachcomber Restaurant across the street.
Michael Harris was jailed last July for eight years for drugging and indecently assaulting 19 male guests at Mainstreet Backpackers between 2005 and 2014.
Any lingering doubts about buying the former Mainstreet Lodge in Kaitaia disappeared when Mr Fasnacht met the resident cat.
Having displayed a certain aloofness in the company of real estate agents, Lucy greeted Mr Fasnacht with relative enthusiasm, to the point of allowing him to pat her. The deal was soon done, with Lucy taking the role of the new owners' most important chattel.