Nicknamed “Speedy Gonzalez” for her love of motorcycles and quick turns on a mobility scooter, Thelma Gough marked her 100th birthday on May 27, celebrating with friends at the Avenues, Metlifecare Retirement Village.

She wasn’t celebrating alone — her long-time friends Bob Gudex and Eunice Barnes, who had also turned 100, and together they shared a birth date this week celebrating their combined 300 years of life.

When SunLive caught up with Gough on Tuesday, she recalled her life over the last 100 years.

Themla Gough celebrating her 100th birthday.

While all three celebrated their birthdays on Tuesday, Gough was the one who recalled her life over the last 100 years.

Born in South Africa, Gough moved to New Zealand in 1984 with her husband, Cecil.

The couple first settled on Herald Island in the Upper Waitematā Harbour at Auckland, later relocating to Hamilton, and finally Mount Maunganui, where they’ve lived for 27 years.

Cecil passed away in 2015, aged 90, leaving behind his mobility scooter.

“His health had declined, and I started using his scooter,” Gough said. “Eventually, I just took it over.”

After an incident in which she was knocked off it, Gough had to downsize her scooter.

“I got a smaller one — not quite as fast,” she said.

Reflecting on her motorcycling days, she described the freedom it offered. “It was freedom,” she said simply.

Asked about the secret to her longevity, Gough credits her “calm nature”.

To mark her centenary, she received a congratulatory letter from King Charles.

It wasn’t her first royal recognition – she also received a letter from Queen Elizabeth II for her 65th wedding anniversary.

“It’s rather nice to have both King and Queen,” she remarked.

In her younger years, Gough and her husband were keen 10-pin bowlers. “I’d be disappointed if I didn’t get a strike,” she said. “But you have good days and bad days.”

These days, Gough keeps mentally sharp by meeting monthly with a group of friends from the Wesley Methodist Church – friendships that date back to 2006.

Her close friend Liz Dooley said the Goughs’ warmth made maintaining their friendship easy.

“What else can you expect?” she said.

Dooley added that friendships become even more precious with age.

“People tend to forget about you. But your old friends always seem to give you a ring.”