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Centenarian Neill Boak. Photo credit: Ryman Healthcare

Yesterday returned serviceman Neill Boak celebrated his 100th birthday. He is the first Kiwi to receive a 100th birthday card from the new head of state, King Charles III.

After the war, he returned to his field of surveying: establishing his own company and working notable projects, including the Auckland motorway system. He retired aged 86.

Head of Veterans’ Affairs Bernadine Mackenzie sent congratulations, saying, “I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your service to New Zealand during the Second World War – we are grateful to you for the part that you played.”

Mr Boak says, “I’ve just tried to have fun in life and I always say to people ‘have fun’ and if you’re not having fun, decide what you’re doing wrong and fix it!”

Read more here. Discuss it on The BFD.

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