Identical triplets Derek, Rodney and Henry Mossman used to play tricks on each other's girlfriends to see if they could pick them out.
"Nobody could ever tell the difference between us," Henry - also known as Harry - says.
"There was one Christmas when my brothers were around. I was
sleeping in another room when my wife arrived home.
"She climbed into bed - and of course it was my brother. She suddenly saw a mole on his neck and realised it wasn't me."
The triplets were born in Gisborne on April 16, 1923.
Last month, they celebrated their 86th birthday in Rotorua, surrounded by family and friends.
Henry, who lives in Auckland, said he and his brothers were never told which one of them was the eldest, youngest and middle child.
"Derek claims to be the eldest and I think I am the youngest. But I've always liked to think they look at me as an excellent example.
"They try to emulate me in many ways - they wouldn't agree, of course," Henry said.
The triplets were three of 11 children, two of whom have died.
Their mother Mabel (nee Langlands ) was an identical twin herself and had trained to be a chemist.
Their father, Pynson, was a sheep farmer from Tiniroto, Gisborne.
Henry said they had all grown into cheerful and successful people because of the ongoing encouragement and support of their parents.
"Back then we all relied on horses - riding on sheepskins because we didn't have horse saddles," he said. "There was no power, there was just candles and kerosene lights.
"The hardest part of it was identifying yourself as an individual. We were never seen that way. If one of us did something silly, we'd all cop it."
Derek has three children, Rodney is the father of two and Henry is the father of four sons. The identical brothers are believed to be the oldest living triplets in New Zealand and the oldest living identical male triplets in the Southern Hemisphere.
Henry said maintaining a close relationship with his brothers and extended family and having a supportive wife had contributed to his longevity.
Knowing when to laugh life's troubles away had also been a factor.
"Humour is the thing that looks to keep us going. Without humour - to remain prudent and logical at times - can be a bit down," Henry said.
"Life's full of ups and downs but if you have a bit of humour in it, it's not so bad."
Mother Mabel Mossman holds Derek and Rodney and their father, Pynson Mossman, holds Henry. Photo / Supplied
Identical triplets Derek, Rodney and Henry Mossman used to play tricks on each other's girlfriends to see if they could pick them out.
"Nobody could ever tell the difference between us," Henry - also known as Harry - says.
"There was one Christmas when my brothers were around. I was
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