Centenarian gets a visit from Winston

Gwen Walker ticked the number one wish off her bucket list when Winston Peters surprised her for her 100th birthday. Photo / George Novak

For her 100th birthday, Gwen Walker got the best present of all - ticking off the number one wish on her bucket list by meeting Winston Peters.

It was all a surprise to Mrs Walker and, as the NZ First Party leader walked through the doors of the Carmel Country Estate yesterday, the centenarian threw her arms in the air.

As soon as he was close enough, she latched on to his arm and held his face as he lent down and gave her a kiss.

Winston Peters. Photo / George Novak

She had been a NZ First supporter for a long time and wanted to meet Mr Peters and thank him for everything he did for the elderly.

"I better not say that, because the National Party sent me a card.

"I think they were looking for my vote," she joked.

It was a major tick for her bucket list and she could not contain her grin.

She even gave him a special mention in her speech and did not forget to thank him for her pension.

Mr Peters said Mrs Walker, who turned 100 on Monday, had mentioned her hope of him attending her birthday to the village staff, who had sent him a formal invitation in May.

"I've known a lot of people who have supported me through thick and thin and she's one of them," the politician said.

"I'm very pleased I came."

The retirement village was bustling with activity for Mrs Walker's milestone and more than 100 residents were at her party.

She barely got a word in as streams of people approached her to congratulate her and give her a hug and kiss.

And what's her secret? She does not have one.

"I hated vegetables. Every night my mum would cook a lovely dinner, but I'd harp on and harp on and I wanted fish and chips. So I practically lived off fish and chips.

"I didn't eat my vegetables until I was 24 ... and having a few gins," she laughed.

But according to her family, it is her strong will and determination that got her to 100 years.

"She's very stubborn," her daughter said.

Mrs Walker's husband Hec died 61 years ago, when their two children were only 4 and 18 months old. Mrs Walker never remarried.

"No, I had plenty of opportunities but I was so busy and I had a career as well. Women don't have to have men."

Hec was her one true love, she said.

"He was a good husband."

Mrs Walker only had three jobs in her life and worked right up until she turned 70.

She never once drove a car but always had a driver's licence as a form of ID.

Luckily, she spent most of her life in Wellington, so relied on public transport.

Aside from one brief trip to England, Mrs Walker is a true Kiwi through and through.

"I used to sit up all hours of the night watching rugby," she said.

"Do you know, with all of this going on I've barely seen the rugby. I'm so annoyed."

But after all these years, she knows what life's about.

"I think it's the good friends you make. You know, they see you through the difficulties."