Centenarian immigrant arrives in NZ

102 year old Louise Sydes is 'thrilled to bits' to be moving to New Zealand. Photo / Supplied

Centenarian Louise Sydes touched down in Auckland with a single suitcase, a huge grin and a hankering for a decent cup of tea.

The 102-year-old former British resident moved to New Zealand today to live with her daughter and son-in-law after her rest home in Hawkhurst, Kent was demolished.

Daughter Sue Reardon flew over to Kent one week ago, to help Ms Sydes pack up her belongings and accompany her on the 23-hour two-leg flight.

Ms Sydes slept for the majority of both flights and preferred to be in economy despite being upgraded to business class, said Ms Reardon.

The elderly migrant arrived dressed smartly in a brown coat, floral skirt and cream turtleneck and was wheeled out with her handbag on her lap.

Son-in-law Rex Reardon was waiting for his wife and mother-in-law at the airport, having prepared a room for his mother-in-law, he said.

It was Mr Reardon's idea to get his mother-in-law over after news broke her nursing home was being demolished, as the elderly lady loved New Zealand's bush, beaches and birds.

And the decision to make the move here was simple, said Ms Sydes: "When Sue decided that I could live with her and Rex, I took the challenge.''

"I like the climate [here]. I was in a home, and it was going to be closed, so I didn't know where I was going to live. In another home, presumably, and I didn't really want to go into another home. When Sue said I could go and live with them I was delighted, and made up my mind straight away.''

"It will be warm here won't it, whereas it would be cold at home and probably snow. I know it's going to be enjoyable for me here.''

The trio were headed home to have a nap, get settled and enjoy some kiwi food, she said.

"I'm feeling very tired at the moment, and I want to just have a cup of tea. I've not had a decent cup of tea for over a year. I was in a home, and the tea was horrible, and I've not had a nice cup of tea since.''

Just a simple English Breakfast tea with a splash of milk and a spoonful of manuka honey was the secret to her longevity, she said.

"Everyone asks me what I take to keep fit, and I say well, honey! That's the only thing. I don't like it on bread but I like it in my tea.''

Ms Sydes is just in time to celebrate her next birthday on Boxing Day, when she will turn 103 years old.

The plan is to enjoy the nature New Zealand has to offer, she said: "I don't walk as much as I used to but I shall have a few walks along the beach.''

Ms Sydes has always been a big fan of New Zealand and it's produce, having travelled the country from top to toe and always bought Kiwi produce overseas, said Mr Reardon.

Ms Sydes had enough of British pension to live out the rest of her life here, and can enjoy as much of her favourite food - lamb chops - as she liked, he said.

The couple jumped at the chance to have Ms Sydes. Mr Reardon said she was an "inspiration'' to the country.: "We are really looking forward to having her here.''