Living life to the full at Real Living
Turning 100 is more than a milestone—it’s a tribute to a life rich in experiences, friendships, and creative passion. Daphne, one of Pakuranga Park’s longest-standing residents, recently marked her centenary with joy, grace, and a three-day celebration surrounded by her beloved family.
Daphne moved into her villa at Pakuranga Park in 1999, at the age of 73. Reflecting on her move, she says with a smile,
“My sons chose this village for me. They liked the feel of it—the individual villas, the greenery, the layout. When I first visited, I instantly liked it. It wasn’t all straight lines or high-rise buildings. It felt welcoming and peaceful. I’ve never regretted it.”
Over the years, Daphne has been an active and cherished part of the village community, forming close friendships and engaging in a vibrant social life.
“I’ve always loved the greenery around the villas, and the fact that they’re all different. I made lots of friends, took part in village activities, and still had my own life outside too.”
Her 100th birthday was nothing short of extraordinary. Her brothers, aged 93 and 96, travelled from the South Island to join in the celebrations. When asked about the secret to her family’s longevity, Daphne simply shrugs and laughs:
“We’ve just had a good life. I like to keep my mind busy. Even when I watch TV, I’m knitting or doing something else!”
Music has been a defining thread in Daphne’s life since childhood. She gave her first church solo at just five years old and was singing on the radio by age seven—performing live on Christchurch’s 3YA Children’s Hour. Over the years, she became a well-known wedding singer, choir leader, and village entertainer, even performing at the South Auckland Hospice and U3A groups for over 12 years.
Her late husband lovingly documented her musical achievements in scrapbooks that Daphne still treasures.
“Music is universal,” she says.
“It doesn’t matter what you play or sing—people feel it, no matter where they’re from. Singing was a God-given talent, and I believe you should never waste your talents.”
At age 89, Daphne suffered a stroke that brought her musical performances to an end. But her creative journey didn’t stop there. With remarkable resilience, she returned to a passion she had set aside decades earlier—art.
Daphne’s love for art began at school, encouraged by her mother, whose own paintings from 1918 still inspire her. After a long career in dressmaking, it wasn’t until she was 73 that she picked up a paintbrush again—this time at the encouragement of a friend in Snells Beach. She still had her school watercolour kit, and joined an art class led by Brian Millard, who reignited her artistic spark.
“Brian told me, ‘Don’t give this up.’ And I didn’t.”
After moving to Auckland, she joined the Howick Art Group and others, eventually studying under talented artists like Tony Clarke. Daphne has since sold many of her paintings, won awards, and even exhibited her work at the Pakuranga Park Art Show.
These days, Daphne continues to share her love for creativity, gently guiding her great-grandchildren through piano lessons—passing on not only music, but her vibrant spirit and legacy.
Daphne’s life is a beautiful reminder that passion, creativity, and connection have no age limit. From her early days on the radio to her art exhibitions in later life, she continues to inspire everyone around her with her resilience, warmth, and zest for life. At 100 years young, Daphne remains a cherished part of the Pakuranga Park community—a true testament to living life to the fullest, one joyful moment at a time.
If you’d like to discover what you can achieve with your newfound free time at Pakuranga Park, visit
https://www.realliving.co.nz/v...
