Recognition of the loyalty shown to the Wairarapa Times-Age by Avis O'Neale - who has subscribed to the newspaper for a staggering 77 years - has ensured she will never have to pay for another copy.
Times-Age general manager Andrew Denholm gave Avis a birthday gift she had not been expecting yesterday by telling her she can have her daily newspaper free from now on.
Mr Denholm said the loyalty shown by Avis was nothing short of incredible, probably a subscription record for any New Zealand newspaper, and it was only fitting to allow her to continue to enjoy reading the paper without cost.
Editor Andrew Bonallack said such subscriber loyalty was "humbling" and a good reminder for journalists to reflect on who they served.
