Sharing, caring and tolerance key to happy marriage, Te Awamutu couple say

Diamond couple David and Fay Haberfield.

David and Fay Haberfield first hit it off when they sat together on a train more than 60 years ago.

They haven't left each other's side since, and last week celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

The newly-wed Haberfields smile from under an arch of brass band instruments at St John's Church in Arawata St.

A young David Haberfield and Fay Loomb met at school in Te Awamutu.

They went through Te Awamutu Primary School and Te Awamutu College together and Fay later became David's piano teacher.

But it wasn't until a weekend away to Chateau Tongariro with friends that they thought their friendship could be something more.

"David came and sat next to me on the train-ride south," Fay says.

And the rest was history.

David and Fay Haberfield on their wedding day - April 19, 1958.

David and Fay were married at St John's Anglican Church in Arawata St on April 19, 1958.

They have lived, worked and raised a family in Te Awamutu their whole lives.

The Haberfields have two sons, Gary and Murray, and a 'daughter-by-choice' Gaynor Krippner.

They now have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Throughout their marriage they have remained heavily involved in sport, music and various community groups in Te Awamutu.

Bugler David Haberfield plays at a Te Awamutu Anzac service in 2015.

David is a life member of the Te Awamutu Brass Band.

He joined the band at age 12 and has since played tenor horn, euphonium, b-flat cornet and soprano cornet.

David has played the bugle for Returned Services Association funerals and at Anzac Day services since the 1960s. He was also RSA president from 2007-2010.

This year was the first time David has not played the bugle at Te Awamutu Anzac services, due to health problems.

Throughout their long marriage the couple has always supported each other — choosing to make time for community involvement.

Fay loved golf and in 1979 was the first female golfer to get a hole in one in 19 years at the Pirongia Golf Course.

The couple also owned motor rewinds business Te Awamutu Rewinds Ltd for 24 years.

They say working as a team and creating a family has kept their marriage strong and happy.

Fay says they key to a long and happy marriage is "sharing, caring and tolerance".

David thanked their supportive and loving family.

"The empowerment of family is everything — there's nothing to replace it."