At 108, this voter has heard it all before

Mahala Sadler has a birthday to look forward to shortly after the election. Picture / Alan Gibson

At 108, Mahala Sadler is the country's oldest registered elector, but she gives the same response as many younger New Zealanders when asked who she is voting for this year.

"I don't know yet. I haven't made up my mind," Mrs Sadler said at her Mt Maunganui rest home yesterday.

Nor would Mrs Sadler reveal who she usually voted for, but she hinted that Prime Minister Helen Clark was out of favour.

"I haven't seen much of her," she said.

Mrs Sadler could not remember the first time she voted, but said she came to New Zealand from England in 1924.

At the following year's election, the conservative Reform Party won 46.5 per cent of the vote, followed by Labour with 27.3 per cent.

Yesterday, Mrs Sadler showed less concern with politics than with her next birthday on September 28.

"I can't believe I'm [almost] 109," she laughed.

Her family are planning a party at Mill's Reef Winery in Tauranga. Among those attending will be the younger of Mrs Sadler's two great-great grandchildren, who is just four weeks old. Mrs Sadler also has seven grandchildren and an unknown number of great-grandchildren. Her daughters are aged 80 and 78.

Tears welled in her eyes yesterday when she recalled her husband, who died in 1974 at age 74.

Mrs Sadler has spent the past 18 years at the Metlifecare Somervale rest home, where she still goes on outings and walks to meals by herself. She is also a keen letter-writer and is known to enjoy a glass of bubbly.

Mrs Sadler is thought to be the second-oldest person in the country, after a 110-year-old. The 2001 Census revealed six New Zealanders were 106.

The Electoral Enrolment Centre says 421 electors over 100 are on the electoral roll.

Of eligible voters, 2.77 million people, or 92.7 per cent, have enrolled.

Only 76 per cent of 18-24 year olds are enrolled compared to 96 per cent in the over-60s age group.

Mrs Sadler said young people could please themselves but she thought they should vote.

"I think it's a pity not to," she said. "I hope they all vote for the right person."

Enrol to vote

* Electoral rolls close for printing on August 17.

* Voters enrolled after this date will cast special declaration votes.

* To enrol, phone 0800 36 76 56, freetext your name and address to 3676, drop in to any Post Shop or visit the website below for an enrolment form.