Keeping occupied is the secret to a long and happy marriage, Eric Brinsdon, who celebrates his 75th wedding anniversary today, says.
''When you're that busy working to make a living, you don't have time to make an argument,'' Mr Brinsdon said.
He and wife Lillian (nee Drummond), both 94, still live in their own home in Mosgiel.
They were married in a registry office in Dunedin in 1938, and had six children, five of whom are still alive. They have 12 grandchildren.
They met in Momona, where Mr Brinsdon worked on a farm, through Mrs Brinsdon's friendship with his twin sister, Vera.
The couple moved to Mosgiel, and Mr Brinsdon worked for the Taieri County Council, and later as a wharfie at Port Chalmers, where he worked until retiring in the 1970s. Retirement was spent first in Hampden, and then Oamaru, before the couple moved back to Mosgiel about five years ago.
Daughter Sylvia Andrews said that her mother was a keen cook, who was ''horrified''by the thought of ordering meals-on-wheels.
Mr Brinsdon was still a keen gardener, and the pair both enjoy getting around Mosgiel on their mobility scooters.
They will celebrate with a lunch today in Waihola, with about 20 people.
