Joyce Rush of Waikanae was born just after the first world war, came through the great depression and World War II and is still going strong.
This week Joyce celebrates her 100th birthday and puts it down to good food and good genes.
“We have always eaten healthy food, even though at times there were shortages.
“I like to have an occasional tipple as well,” says Joyce who was enjoying a glass of bubbly with friends at the Relish Caf in Waikanae.
“I’ve lived up here at Rymans Village for five years and before that was 18 years in Paraparaumu. I’m a widow now and I have a sister (younger) who lives in Paraparaumu. My husband Gren was Auditor General,” says Joyce.
Joyce says she has a large family with three children and two step children.
“Well they’re not really children anymore, they’re all retired now,” says Joyce.
“I also have nine great-grandchildren but I’ve lost count of how many grandchildren I have. I have been very lucky,” she says as wellwishers raised a glass to celebrate her first 100 years.