Lena Walker's 109th birthday went off without a hitch yesterday, as family and friends gathered in the Far North to help celebrate her milestone.
Walker – the oldest New Zealand-born woman – spent the day surrounded by loved ones, including former neighbours and rest home staff and residents at Radius Baycare in Haruru.
Grandson Paul Eley from Whangārei was there, as was Walker's granddaughter Mikaela and great-great-granddaughter Harper.
Rest home staff presented Walker with a large cake surrounded by 109 candles which were lit by the local fire brigade and blown out with help from school children.
Paihia Primary, Paihia Early Childhood Centre, Oromahoe School and Pakaraka School were also there to sing happy birthday to her.