Marvellous Margaret celebrates 100th birthday

In 1923, as the youngest of 11 children, Margaret – or Peg or Peggy as most people call her – was born in Waitara (Taranaki) and moved into her first Kāinga Ora home in New Plymouth in 1988.

“I have made many beautiful memories in the Kāinga Ora homes I have lived in over the past 35 years,“ says Peggy.

“One of my most treasured memories was winning the Gardener of the Year Award – that was when I was living in my first Kāinga Ora home in Marfell. I loved that home and the community because we all looked out for each other.”

Raewyn was Peggy’s Tenancy Manager for a few years, before she moved into a different role within the organisation. The pair first met about 20 years ago.

Raewyn says she has very fond memories of Peggy.

“Peggy has always been fiercely independent. She would rarely ask for anything in terms of maintenance on her home because she would try to fix them herself first – and would usually succeed,” Raewyn laughs.

“Inspecting Peggy’s home wouldn’t take me long at all, as it was always perfectly clean, but I always allowed extra time to have a cuppa with her. She always had very interesting stories to tell – mostly about her lovely family.”

So what is Peggy’s secret to good health?

“I have always eaten lots of vegetables – I used to grow most of them in my own garden. Gardening activities and walking always kept me active and I strongly believe spending lots of time with your family also contributes to good health,” says Peggy.

“For years, I also brewed my Kawakawa tea - the ultimate herbal tonic. They sometimes say that Kawakawa leaves support a healthy immune system, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation in the body.”

While Peggy is being suitably spoiled with gifts from friends and family for her 100^th birthday, she is very clear about what she would like most for the future.

“What I really hope for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren is a world where everyone can live peacefully and with enough food for kids on the table, that is important to me,” ends Peggy.