“An interesting life” is how Nola Patricia Mary Pocock describes reaching the milestone of 100 years.

Born on May 16, 1926, in Palmerston North, the eldest of nine siblings, life was without mod cons and girls left school early in their teens.

When World War II started, Pat, as she is known, did her bit by being drafted as a Land Girl, based on a farm in the upper North Island.

“It was hard physical work for a young girl, with long days. I remember having to get the cows in, crossing a deep stream every day.”

In 1944, Pat married returned New Zealand Army soldier Fred, and they commenced the hard work of breaking in a Returned Services Rehab Farm.

“There was nothing on the land; we had to start from scratch.”

With three children in tow, they moved to Thames, where they purchased an orchard, picking, pruning, and packing, themselves.

“The work was ongoing, but we always had time for the regular barn dances.

“Fred was a terrible dancer; we would go around the floor twice to everyone’s once – but we had some good evenings.”

In 1960, a change of work led Fred to a job at the Tasman mill and the family moved to Grey Street in Kawerau after a short stay in Rotoma waiting for their house to become vacant.

Pat also worked at the mill as tea lady and became a member of Kawerau Presbyterian Church, Women’s RSA and Share and Care.

They bought land at Te Teko in 1967, built a house, and when Fred retired, rather than idleness they grew kiwifruit.

In 1987 they moved back to Marshall Street, Kawerau, with Fred passing away the following year after 44 years of marriage.

“We worked at our marriage. There are many happy memories in the hard work.”

After a short sojourn to Papamoa, in 1998, Pat moved into one of the new units being built at Mountain View Retirement Village, becoming a volunteer at the home, assisting with activities and visiting residents who did not receive many visitors.

From there, she travelled with Terry’s Tours – Hawaii twice, Norfolk Island and extensively around the South Island.

In between travels, Pat helped in the community, including selling poppies and fundraising for the advancement of Mountain View and Share and Care.

In 2019, at the age of 93, Pat gave up driving and moved “over to the home”, where she still takes part in daily activities.

Her memories are many, and she attributes her longevity to being active all her life.

“We walked everywhere, ate plain food, and we always worked hard – I was always active.

“Even when I was sitting down, I was knitting.”

Her 100th birthday celebrations started early with a magnificent morning tea with Mountain View residents and staff, complete with a chocolate birthday cake.

Then on her birthdate, more than 60 family and friends joined in a birthday buffet at Thornton Bar and Eatery, some having travelled from Hong Kong, Australia and around New Zealand.

The family is grateful to Caroline Eve for assisting Pat to purchase a new outfit for the occasion, Marie Roberts for her wonderful emceeing and Thornton Bar and Eatery for hosting the birthday bash.

But the biggest thanks go to the fabulous staff of Mountain View for their daily care of Pat which has seen her reach the tonne.