Winston's birthday surprise

Illustration / Rod Emmerson

For her 100th birthday, Gwen Walker got the best present of all - ticking her number-one wish off her bucket list by meeting Winston Peters.

It was all a surprise to Mrs Walker and as the NZ First leader walked through the doors of the Carmel Country Estate in Tauranga yesterday, the centenarian threw her arms in the air. As soon as he was close enough she latched on to his arm and held his face as he lent down and gave her a kiss.

She has been a NZ First supporter for a long time and wanted to meet Mr Peters and thank him for everything he has done for the elderly.

"I better not say that because the National Party sent me a card. I think they were looking for my vote," she joked.

She could not contain her grin.

Mr Peters said Mrs Walker had mentioned her hope of him attending her birthday to the village staff who had sent him an invitation in May.

"I've known a lot of people who have supported me through thick and thin and she's one of them," he said.

"I'm very pleased I came."