It was a mix of politics and whisky in Christchurch when some of the city's Scottish residents got together on Thursday night as Scots went to the polls to vote on independence.
They gathered at the Whisky Galore bottle store to share a wee dram.
Alastair Campbell of Christchurch's Whisky Galore where Scots gathered before Scotland's historic independence vote Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
One of those was Alastair Campbell who has been following events closely from the other side of the world and says he's firmly in the 'Yes' camp.
He said Scottish people should be in charge of their own destinies.
Another transplanted Scotsman, Bob Blyth, who left Scotland in 1971 but still has family there, said the referendum has captured the nation's imagination.
But he said he doesn't think separating from Great Britain is a wise move. He said he is worried about the consequences which could see the shipyards in Glasgow losing lucrative contracts from the British Navy.
Jim Benjamin left Scotland 33 years ago but said if the 'Yes' campaign wins he will be moving back there to retire.
He said while there may be economic challenges in forging a new nation it's a risk the country should be willing to take.
The result of the referendum should be known Friday afternoon New Zealand time.
