Sponsored Content

This year, Malyon House Rest Home & Hospital in Mount Maunganui has the rare joy of celebrating not one, but three residents reaching their 100th birthday.

“Annie Berry, Ross Adam and Pam Rhodes have each lived a century of New Zealand history, and their stories are as rich and varied as the decades they’ve witnessed,” Malyon House director Amy Munro said.

Berry, who celebrated her birthday in June, remembers growing up in the Manawatū receiving a penny on Saturdays which she took to the grocer’s shop and spent on boiled sweets; and enjoying picnics on a tablecloth on the lawn under the beech tree with her mother on summer evenings.

Adam, who turned 100 earlier this month, recalls joining the Air Force at 19 as an air gunner, and had such a passion for flying he later bought a small plane he enjoyed flying from his home in Waiōuru.

On a scenic flight over the Tauranga area, he decided it looked like a great place to live, later moving here with his family, Munro said.

Rhodes will celebrate her milestone birthday in November. She credits her passion for keeping active with reaching 100. Sport was a highlight of her life, from her younger days in Gisborne right through to swimming every morning at 6am until she was well into her 90s.

These days she enjoys daily walks and attends regular exercise classes at Malyon House.

Reaching 100 is no small feat – and reaching it in such good company is something to be truly celebrated, Munro said.

“Along with their families, Malyon House staff and fellow residents have been marking each milestone with the warmth this community is known for – a reminder that a rest home is, above all, a home.

“We feel privileged to share this year with Annie, Ross and Pam.

“We’re incredibly proud to call them part of our Malyon House family. Congratulations to Annie, Ross and Pam – 300 years of life between them, and still going strong!”