Loving each other for 60 years has been effortless for Derek and Margaret Gill.
Derek, 89, and Margaret, 86, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sunday at an afternoon celebration with close family and friends.
The couple, who have spent most of their married life in Rotorua, met at a dance in a building where Countdown now stands on Fenton St.
Mr Gill moved to New Zealand from England after World War II, and was working as a groundskeeper at the Rotorua Golf Course. "I went to the dance and there was this beautiful redhead in a multi-coloured dress," Mr Gill said.
They danced together, but Margaret also danced with Derek's friend and it was he who walked Margaret home that evening.
Despite that initial hiccup, the couple had an 18 month-long engagement, and married when Derek was 29 and Margaret was 26.
"I had a few offers before but you have got to be a bit fussy," Mrs Gill said.
After three children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild, they said their marriage had been uncomplicated and happy.
"We never get grumpy about anything. We have never had a row or anything like that," Mr Gill said.
He said he was lucky the two biggest days of the year for him coincided with each other. "I always said I have two days of remembrance - Anzac Day followed by my wedding anniversary."
Their most difficult times have been when they were separated from their family. "One of the most difficult things to do is say goodbye to your nearest and dearest, with our kids being away," Mr Gill said.
The Gills have lived in Rotorua since 1963. Mr Gill worked as the head groundskeeper at the Rotorua Golf Club for 27 years, and has a life membership.
"I always say if I had Margaret's natural ability with my enthusiasm I would have a pretty low handicap."