Stratford woman celebrates her 109th birthday

Linda also enjoyed cake with some of her great great grandchildren over the weekend.

There have been 25 Prime Ministers in New Zealand so far (before Joseph Ward the leader of New Zealand was known as the Premier or Colonial Secretary) and Linda Wiggins has been alive during each and every one of their times in office.

The Stratford resident, who celebrated her 109th birthday on Sunday, was born in 1908, when Joseph Ward was in office.

"Everyone should vote if they can this election. I still watch the news and pay attention to what the politicians have to say."

Linda says she thinks farmers get a rough deal from politicians at times.

"Some people on the television don't know how hard farming can be. It's a tough life - you have to work hard."

Farming and hard work are the secret to Linda's own longevity she says.

"I've always worked hard. I used to help my father on the farm with the milking, and my husband and I worked hard all our lives."

Linda's birthday was celebrated at Marire with cake and an afternoon tea.

Linda, who has 35 great great grandchildren, as well as 49 great grandchildren and 19 grandchildren, says children certainly have things a bit easier nowadays.

"I used to walk two miles to school each day, no matter what the weather was like."

According to genealogy sites, Linda is the fifth oldest person in New Zealand, and appears to be the oldest person in Taranaki. She says long life isn't as important as some say.

"Whatever age you are, you should just try to be a good person, work hard and be honest."

Linda celebrated this birthday with a family get together at Colonel Malone's, as well as birthday cakes shared with friends, family and residents and staff at Marire rest Home where she has lived for the past couple of years.