Figures from Statistics New Zealand show life expectancy had increased from 2010 to 2012 with males expected to live to 79.3 years and females 83 years.
A woman born in 1961 who reached 65 can expect to live to about 91 based on low death rates data that its website revealed.
However, some locals were living much longer. In May, Ida Hamilton celebrated her 106th birthday by taking control of a cruise boat in the Tauranga Harbour. She did not smoke or drink, liked to keep active and thought longevity was in the family genes as her mother lived to 99 years.
Earlier this week Frances "Queenie" Alexander died at age 106 and had credited her longevity to a spoon of kruschen salts every morning for 70 years and raw onion sandwiches.
Her younger sister Hazel Bryce, 105, who lives at Accadia Manor Rest Home, said a childhood in the country may have "toughened them up".
Bay health shops were also booming as more people focused on their wellbeing and extending lifespans. However, two business owners agreed today people battled processed foods that had no nutrients - compared with centenarians that did not face those problems.
Health 2000 Mount Maunganui owner Cathie Waites said sugar, which was commonly known as "white death" was a major problem.
"Sugar is terrible and a definite no, no."
Sugar and laziness had fuelled the diabetes and obesity epidemics as reliance on fast food became more prevalent, she said.
Getting back to basics was key, she said by drinking water and eating more fresh vegetables and a bit of meat
Taking antioxidants could boost the immune system and vitamin C was helpful, she said.
Ms Waites had 30 years' experience in the industry and said the growth was "incredible."
Leading nutrition and weight loss expert Dr Libby Weaver said recent trends indicated New Zealand and Australians are eating about 28.5 teaspoons of refined sugar every day.
New studies link over-consumption to an increased risk of kidney damage, heart disease and cancer.
Bethlehem Health and Tea Shop owner Jude Randell said a lot of people were living longer "but they are actually dying longer because they have so many drugs to help them live longer."
Those who were living up to 100 had a healthy start to life, she said.
"They ate fruit and vegetables without any sprays or chemicals on them. Refined foods these days are not food because they don't have enzymes and live bacteria in them. In the past foods would have been fermented, which provided good gut bacteria."
Probiotic tablets had become popular as people's digestive systems were compromised.
Business had grown 100 per cent since its establishment 11 years ago as people were becoming more aware and wanted to be healthy, she said.
