Victoria Meikle, left, May Clemens granddaughter, Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis, Mrs Clemens and Denis Tatere at a party for 70 family and friends on Saturday afternoon.
Victoria Meikle, left, May Clemens granddaughter, Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis, Mrs Clemens and Denis Tatere at a party for 70 family and friends on Saturday afternoon.
Dannevirke's May Clemens reckoned last Friday was "just an ordinary day". But it was far from that.
Mrs Clemens, a resident at Rahiri Care Home, was celebrating her 100th birthday, putting herself into the history books as the oldest surviving widow of a World War I veteran in New Zealand.
"It's nothing whatsoever. Just another day," she told the Dannevirke News.
Herb Clemens (left), with his mother May on her 100th birthday as she has face time with her granddaughter in Vancouver, Canada, via tablet, last Friday morning. On Saturday morning May had face time with another granddaughter in London.
But family and friends were determined to make sure Mrs Clemens' 100th was anything but ordinary, with celebrations running over two days.
And although she's seen a lot in her 100 years, Mrs Clemens is still keen to embrace the latest technology, having FaceTimed, via a tablet, with her granddaughter Felicity in Vancouver, Canada, on Friday morning.
Tina Broad, manager at Rahiri, said Mrs Clemens didn't look a day over 65.
"Act like a queen today, this is your moment," she said.
100-year old May Clemens cutting her cake at Rahiri Care Home last Friday morning. Mrs Clemens is the oldest surviving widow of a World War 1 veteran in New Zealand
Eldest son Herb said it was a very special moment for the Clemens family.
On Saturday afternoon more than 70 family and friends from around New Zealand and Australia gathered at Rahiri to share more special moments with Mrs Clemens.
"I'm very much in awe of what you've given this district as a pioneer," Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis said.
"This is the 125th anniversary of the women's suffragette movement and I want you to be part of that in some way."
Recognising Mrs Clemens' special place in history, Denis Tatere of the Dannevirke and Districts RSA presented her with a special plaque, and her granddaughter Victoria Meikle pinned a unique poppy on her chest.
Victoria Meikle (left), May Clemens granddaughter, Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis, Mrs Clemens and Denis Tatere of the Dannevirke and Districts RSA at a party for 70 family and friends on Saturday afternoon.
Paddy Driver, president of the local RSA, said Mr Clemens came home from World War I wounded.
"He was a hero," he said.
Mrs Clemens' children, Herb, Lil, Bill and Colin, acknowledged the special woman their mother was.
"Dad died when I was three and mum raised me," Colin said.
"Like the Queen, you seem to have been around forever. And like the Queen you've always enjoyed the love and respect of all those who have known you," he said.
"As children we grew up in a loving family home. You have always been the stable presence in our lives and you always gave a friendly ear to all who needed it."
One birthday present was very special for Mrs Clemens who loves cricket - a miniature bat signed by all the party guests.
