Formerly Phyllis Manson, Mrs Aspinall celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by about 25 family members who were gathered to take part in an annual Manson tradition.
The Manson family moved to Wanaka in the mid-1930s, and were involved in establishing many community assets and organisations in the area.
"The extended family still feel strong ties to Wanaka and we try to gather every New Year's with as many descendants as are available," Mrs Aspinall's niece and reunion co-ordinator Susan Manson said.
"This year, the special focus is on Phyllis' 90th, as she is the oldest in the clan and getting to 90 is always worth a party."
Ms Manson said bringing the family together for this year's gathering was also "a little more special" after her cousin John Aspinall died of cancer late last year.
Ms Manson's grandfather William (Bill) Manson helped build the first swimming pool at the playground in Wanaka, was on the group that organised getting electricity to the town, and, along with her father Jim, helped start the local volunteer fire brigade. Jim, the fire chief for many years, built the first rescue tender, which now carries his name.
Ms Manson's grandmother Julia and mother Frances were both long-serving volunteers and committee members at the Wanaka library and various family members have played roles in founding or running Wanaka organisations such as Plunket, Scouts and Guides, Playcentre, the arts society, arts council, smallbore rifle club, theatre group, Tecorians, travel club, herb society and embroiderers' guild.
Ms Manson said while there was "not a full roll call" at the reunion, it was fantastic that so many had been able to make it, some from as far away as Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Mrs Aspinall said it was "lovely" seeing all her family reunited again on her milestone birthday.
