Rotorua couple celebrate 70 years of marriage and putting family first

June and Paul Ryder were married on July 7, 1951, in Suva, Fiji. Photo / Supplied

Seventy years after their wedding, childhood sweethearts Paul and June Ryder say listening and selflessness are the secrets of their marriage.

"It's all about the give and take," June said.

"You've just got to listen."

June described 91-year-old Paul as hard working and "just so good".

"He's such a good person. He looks after me very well."

Meanwhile, Paul said what he loved most about June was her ability to keep the whole family together.

"We're very much a tight community and that's all thanks to her."

Paul said his advice for younger generations would be to "concentrate on the family".

"Always put the family first."

June and Paul Ryder celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on July 7. Photo / Supplied

Paul and June have known each other almost their whole lives, having met at school in Suva, Fiji.

"I went to school with his sisters. He went to school with my brothers. I was in a family of 11, he was one of 9. So we got to know each other," June said.

"He was very conservative and shy. I was more outgoing.

"Then one day he just asked me if I'd like to go to the movies and that was it."

The couple married in 1951, moved to New Zealand in 1957 and have lived in Rotorua since 1986.

These days, Paul enjoys fishing, gardening and cooking. His curry and roti are a family favourite.

June, once an avid golfer, has taken up mahjong. She also writes regularly to family and friends.

Initially, Paul and June did not want to make a big fuss out of their 70th wedding anniversary.

In fact, June told her daughter-in-law Wilhemina Ryder she would rather elope.

The Ryders received anniversary well wishes from Queen Elizabeth II, Jacinda Ardern, the Governor-General and local politicians. Photo / Maryana Garcia

But while the couple enjoyed a joint birthday-anniversary celebration with family in June, Wilhemina had another idea.

"They mean a lot to [our family] and they're such nice people," Wilhemina said.

"They do most things together and they help each other with everything.

"They're always there when you need them. So I thought to do something special."

She applied to the Department of Internal Affairs for a congratulatory letter from Queen Elizabeth II.

"I heard about it from a client at work and thought they might like it."

June, who recently celebrated her 89th birthday, was thrilled to receive a greeting from the Queen. She was even more surprised when cards also arrived from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the Governor-General as well as local politicians.

"I was absolutely shocked. I'm still in shock," June said.

Paul and June have four children, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The entire family, which is spread across Tokoroa, Tauranga, Warkworth and Sydney, have weekly Skype meetings on Sundays.