From almost 'discarded' to 100

Marion Bulleid is congratulated by her husband, Victor Bulleid, on the balcony of their Frances Hodgkins unit in Dunedin before her 100th birthday today. Mr Bulleid celebrated his 101st birthday earlier this year. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY

But Marion Bulleid went on to notch up a century after finally drawing breath, a midwife wrapping her up and putting her in front of the fire when she noticed her moving.

Mrs Bulleid, nee Muldrew, is celebrating her 100th birthday today with close family at a function at Edgewater Resort in Wanaka.

Another function with extended family and friends will be held in Cromwell tomorrow.

Her birthday makes a double century in the family - her husband, Victor, celebrated his 101st birthday on November 13 this year.

The couple put their longevity - and happy marriage, having celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year - down to contentment, co-operation and "everything in moderation", as well as a few good genes and a happy family life.

Mrs Bulleid started life on the family farm in Southland and then lived with her grandmother in Maheno, going on to train as a nurse in Oamaru and meeting her husband on a blind date when she needed a partner for the nurses' ball.

Mr Bulleid was born in Oamaru and worked in banking before joining the family business, the John Bulleid and Co department store in Oamaru.

Mrs Bulleid was one of 10 children, the fourth of seven girls, and she and her husband have three daughters and a son.

Her children said she was an "intuitive" mother, energetic, forward thinking and devoted to her family. She loved cooking and music and had always had a strong interest in gardening, her husband helping with landscaping at their home in Oamaru.

"They're a great team," daughter Debbie Kershaw said.

Mr and Mrs Bulleid moved to Dunedin about 20 years ago, spending about 10 years in Andersons Bay and the past 10 at Frances Hodgkins Retirement Village, where they have a two-bedroom apartment.

Mrs Bulleid said she did not want "too much fuss" for her birthday - "it's just another day".

But her husband said "thank goodness" she had been rescued by the midwife the day she was born, and that he and his wife were grateful to have lived such a happy life.

"It's wonderful to be such cobbers as we are, and to have our family - it's one of God's gifts."