A Southland woman has celebrated her 110th birthday today.
Maudie Wilson from Invercargill is believed to be the oldest living person in New Zealand. But she didn't want to make a fuss.
"She's lived through two World Wars," says her grandson at the 110th celebration. "She even went to school with Burt Monroe."
While motorcyclist Burt Munro was into land speed records, Ms Wilson reckons slow and steady wins the race.
"I do not like fusses," she says. "I don't like having to be the centre of attention."
But attention was what Ms Wilson got today as more than 40 family members celebrated her milestone with an afternoon tea at her Invercargill rest home.
Ms Wilson is believed to be New Zealand's oldest living woman – a title she doesn't exactly fancy.
"How horrible!" she says.
Ms Wilson was born in Invercargill in 1903. She says there's no secret to living a long, healthy life.
"We've lived very quietly. We've had good meals, and we went out a bit."
Her grandchildren say she might be more than a century old, but she's as sharp as a tack.
"She's got a very good memory. She remembers everything!"
But Ms Wilson's family says the thing she's kept hold onto most is her sense of humour.
3 News
source: newshub archive
