Who Is New Zealand's Oldest Living Person?
As of September 2025, New Zealand's oldest living person is Aileen Kars, who resides in Palmerston North. Born on September 12, 1913, she celebrated her 112th birthday in the Arvida Olive Tree retirement community, an event marked with high tea featuring recipes from her own treasured cookbook. Kars has credited her longevity to simple habits, including staying well-hydrated and maintaining a cheerful, happy disposition throughout her life. Her story is a testament to resilience, having outlived her husband and one of her sons, and is watched closely by organisations that verify the age of the world's oldest people.
The Oldest Man in New Zealand
While Aileen Kars holds the overall title, it is worth acknowledging the longevity of men in New Zealand as well. James Easton, born in 1916, is currently recognised as the oldest living man in New Zealand. Easton, a former World War II prisoner of war, celebrated his 108th birthday in Auckland in December 2024. A notable aspect of his story is his lifelong abstinence from smoking and alcohol, a habit he credits for his impressive longevity. His resilience through the war and his disciplined lifestyle offer another perspective on the factors contributing to exceptional longevity.
The All-Time Record for New Zealand
Looking back into history, the oldest person ever from New Zealand was Florence Finch. Born in 1893, she passed away in 2007 at the remarkable age of 113 years and 109 days. Her record is held in high esteem, and her long life serves as a benchmark for longevity within the country. The oldest man ever recorded was Arthur Bates, who died in 1992 at the age of 110 years and 55 days. These verified records provide historical context to the modern-day figures and highlight that extreme longevity, while rare, is achievable and has been documented in New Zealand for decades.
How are these ages verified?
To be officially recognised as a supercentenarian (someone aged 110 or older), the individual's age must be rigorously verified by an expert organisation, such as the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). This process involves a meticulous review of official documents, including birth certificates, census records, and other historical evidence, to confirm the birth date. In Aileen Kars's case, her age was validated by the GRG in 2023, confirming her status. This verification process is crucial for preventing fraudulent claims and ensuring the accuracy of longevity records worldwide.
Factors Influencing Longevity in New Zealand
New Zealand's generally high standard of living and robust healthcare system contribute to its high life expectancy. According to Stats NZ, overall life expectancy is increasing, though the rate of increase has slowed recently. In 2022–2024, life expectancy at birth was 80.1 years for males and 83.5 for females. However, significant disparities exist, with life expectancy for Māori and Pacific populations being lower than for European or other ethnic groups. Factors contributing to these differences are complex and involve a mix of socioeconomic, environmental, and health-related issues.
| A comparison of New Zealand's oldest record holders | Category | Oldest Ever (Florence Finch) | Oldest Living (Aileen Kars) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age at death/present | 113 years, 109 days | 112 years, as of Sept 2025 | |
| Born | December 22, 1893 | September 12, 1913 | |
| Died/Resides | Died April 10, 2007 | Resides in Palmerston North | |
| Claim to fame | Oldest verified person ever in NZ | Current oldest living person in NZ |
Promoting Healthy Aging for All Kiwis
While setting longevity records is a rare achievement, promoting healthy aging is a goal for all New Zealanders. The government and various non-profit organisations provide extensive support for older people, aiming to improve quality of life and health outcomes. These services include:
- Financial support: NZ Superannuation and other payments are available for seniors.
- Healthcare assistance: The Community Services Card offers discounts on doctor visits and prescriptions.
- Community services: Organisations like Age Concern NZ and the Citizens Advice Bureau provide information, support, and friendship services.
- Residential care options: Information and assistance with rest home or hospital care are available through services like Seniorline.
For more comprehensive information on the support available, you can visit the Work and Income's Services for Seniors website.
The Role of Genetics and Lifestyle
Genetics undoubtedly plays a role in reaching extreme ages, as some families show a predisposition for longevity. However, personal choices and environmental factors are also crucial. The anecdotal evidence from Aileen Kars (happy disposition, water) and James Easton (no smoking/alcohol) suggests that a healthy lifestyle and positive outlook are significant contributors to a long and healthy life. Research into advanced aging in New Zealand, such as the LiLACS NZ study, is also exploring the relative importance of health, social, and economic factors in determining who ages successfully.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Number
The answer to what age is the oldest person in NZ? is currently 112, but the full story is much richer. It is a story of personal resilience, changing demographics, and dedicated care systems. While records show that Aileen Kars and historical figure Florence Finch have achieved remarkable milestones, the broader effort towards healthy aging for all New Zealanders—addressing disparities and promoting well-being—is the ultimate goal. The insights from these supercentenarians and the ongoing research into longevity help inform and inspire a healthier future for all Kiwis.
