Eric, 104, just wants to chill

After 104 birthdays, New Zealand's oldest immigrant, Eric King-Turner, is sick of blowing out candles.

"I don't get particularly excited any more, I've had plenty of practice," he said from his home in Mapua on his birthday yesterday.

"It's just another day and I would rather do nothing; just relax at home and have some cake."

His New Zealand-born wife, Doris, 90, was keeping her lips sealed about the celebration.

"She won't tell me what she has planned. It's rather sneaky, really."

Mr King-Turner made headlines last year when he arrived with his wife on the Saga Rose cruise ship in Wellington after a five-week trip from England.

Since then, he has settled in Mapua and has been keeping busy, including indulging in his beloved pastime of fly-fishing.

"I have had a great time since arriving, I'll be here till I die, but I haven't been out fishing that much lately.

"I have been too busy doing work round the house and out in the garden, but that will soon change."

Mr King-Turner said the secret to a long life was animal fats, butter, sugar, salt and gin "all things we're not supposed to have".

- © Fairfax NZ News