New Zealand's oldest woman has turned 108.
Annie Mason, who celebrated her landmark birthday at her rest home in Christchurch yesterday, was born under the reign of Edward VII, before the sinking of the Titanic and the outbreak of World War I.
One of more than 500 centenarians, according to the Census, she told Fairfax her secret for a long life was to stay unfazed by whatever comes your way.
"Whatever life throws at you, you work your way through it. Happy marriages always help too."
Mrs Mason grew up in London, an early life she recalled with fondness for the happy times. But there were tough moments too, of starvation and poverty.