Millie Saunders arriving at her birthday party, flanked by daughter-in-law Ange Welsh and official police escort Natalie Rapira.
Millie Saunders arriving at her birthday party, flanked by daughter-in-law Ange Welsh and official police escort Natalie Rapira.
You don't get to 80 without learning how to make a grand entrance, and Kaikohe identity Millie Saunders, aka the Queen of Broadway, achieved that when she arrived at her birthday party on Saturday.
She was a little shocked at first when a police car turned up instead of ataxi, but, resplendent as always in a white hat, black and white blouse, masses of jewellery and a lei, was grinning from ear to ear when she discovered what had been prepared for her big day.
Millie (Miria Te Miringa) can be seen almost every day on Kaikohe's main street, Broadway, watching the world go by from her walker at her regular spot near the walkway to Marino Court, always immaculately dressed and adorned with rings, brooches and necklaces, earning her the sobriquet the Queen of Broadway.
Born in Dargaville and raised at Awarua and later Papakura, she returned to the North many years ago and settled in Kaikohe.
Youngest brother Mike Welsh, who lives in Australia, organised the lunchtime do at the Kaikohe RSA, and a pick-up from her home by police car.
"Seeing as it's her 80th we wanted to do something special for her, and also to thank the people of Kaikohe for their support and taking care of her," Mr Welsh said.
