For hundreds of Hawke's Bay people a traffic officer by the name of Maurie Gibson got them started on their motoring journeys by issuing them with a driver's licence.
He spent about 20 years working for the Napier City Council's traffic department during the 1950s and '60s and, while he is no longer working on driving-related paperwork, he is more than happy to get a few sheets of paper out from time to time - for a sing-song.
Mr Gibson has just turned 103 and on Sunday enjoyed the occasion with his family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren for a very special day.
"A luncheon with a good old-fashioned sing-a-long," was how a member of the family put it.
"He still has a cheeky sense of humour and a passion for music."