NZ's oldest woman dies in Waikato

Ruby Billings, believed to be New Zealand's oldest woman, has died.

Mrs Billings, who last month celebrated her 109th birthday, died at Hamilton's Maeroa Lodge rest home on Saturday, the Waikato Times reported.

Maeroa Lodge facility manager Paula McFarlane said Mrs Billings was usually in good health, but deteriorated quickly in the last couple of days before her death.

She outlived two husbands and two sons, and had nine grandchildren, 24 great and 10 great-great grandchildren.

- NZPA