Mataura woman Elma MacRae still loves to get out in her garden with a fork, despite celebrating her 100th birthday recently. PHOTO: RICHARD DAVISONHard work, homegrown veges and a little woolly magic are the recipe for longevity for a freshly-minted Mataura centenarian. Born and bred in Mataura, Mrs MacRae put her longevity down to a time-honoured formula. "There’s something about being outside and good, honest hard work that I enjoy, and there’s nothing to beat the taste of your own, homegrown produce." I have a special wool for socks, and so often I’ll give the young ones socks for gifts.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 18, 2026 11:00 UTC