Ethel Lamont celebrates 100 years

Ethel Lamont may have reached three digits but she still vividly remembers her first day at Havelock North High School.

She celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends at her home in Havelock North yesterday.

Mrs Lamont said she had a wonderful and easy life which was made even easier when electricity came on.

"I had to de-fog the lamp globes multiple times a day when we were living under candlelight."

When power first reached her home she would stand by her bedroom door just to flick the light switches on and off.

She started high School and began in 1931 on the day of the big earthquake.

"We were out in the playground and saw the big trees go side to side and the ground came towards us in waves - it was a scary experience."

She had a day of celebrations yesterday but they are not over yet. On Saturday afternoon her family are coming together for a birthday party. She has a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren so it will be a large affair.

"My grandchildren visited today and they were very happy to have a grandmother who had made it to 100, they were even skiting about it."

She said she had no secret to making it to 100 but believed the days spent walking the peak and picnicking outside might have helped.

"I don't even know how I got here, but I am amazed I have made it. I have had no regrets, life has been pretty good to me."