By Melissa Davies
Most people who reach the age of 100 are pretty settled in their ways, but not British pensioner Louise Sydes.
At the age of 102, Ms Sydes decided to move to New Zealand after her rest home was scheduled to be closed down as part of city council budget cuts.
The council offered to rehouse her, but she decided to move to New Zealand to be with her daughter.
The Ministry of Immigration have granted an exception to her visitor’s visa, extending it from the usual six months to three years.
The length of the trip isn’t a concern for Ms Sydes, who says she loves New Zealand.
“Travel doesn't bother me at all,” she says.
“I've travelled all ways – on boats, trains, aeroplanes. Doesn't worry me.”
Rest home stay say it’s her positive attitude to new adventures that keeps Ms Sydes young.
“I think it's wonderful – it just shows that when you get older in life, it doesn't mean to say you stop doing things,” staff member Paulina Watson says.
Ms Sydes will spend her next birthday in New Zealand – on Boxing Day she turns 103.
3 News