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Warkworth resident Allan Martin joined an elite group of New Zealanders when he celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends in Sydney on May 2.
The former director general of TVNZ marked the occasion with characteristic humility and humour, reflecting on a century of life with the observation that “100 is a nice tidy number and provides a new way of looking at time – and it also reminds you of how quickly it passes.”
Back home, Allan’s birthday was recognised at Snap Fitness Warkworth, where he is a familiar face at the gym’s weekly 65-plus fitness class.
Gym owner Greg Smith presented Allan with a Lifetime Membership last week, complete with an oversized membership card.
“Consistency pays off!” Allan joked as he accepted the honour.
Despite retiring years ago, Allan has maintained a disciplined daily exercise routine, something he believes is central to both physical and mental well-being.
“You need the mental exercise to commit to doing the physical exercise,” he said.
When asked the secret to his longevity, Allan’s answer was straightforward – regular exercise, an active mind and a commonsense diet.
He was also quick to acknowledge the role of his wife, Joy, crediting her cooking and companionship over the couple’s 70-year marriage.
Joy, who is about to turn 91, also attends the gym classes.
“I have to try and keep up with him,” she said.
Allan believes healthy ageing is also about continuing to set achievable goals. A long-time competitor in Masters Games events both in New Zealand and overseas, he is currently training to break the world record for the 100 metres in the centenarian category.
According to Stats NZ, there were just 792 centenarians as at October last year.
Mahurangi Matters did an interview with Allan in 2023, which can be read online at: https://www.localmatters.co.nz/local-folk/local-folk-allan-martin/
