Celebrating a Remarkable 100 years - June Fagan

FIVE WEEKS ago, June Fagan reached an incredible milestone - 100years of age. She celebrated this momentous occasion with family and friends at the Panorama Motor Inn restaurant in Te Kuiti.

Loved ones travelled from as far as Wellington and even Australia to be part of the festivities. It was a joyful celebration that included personally addressed birthday cards from Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, and Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla. June shared her secret to a long life with guests: eating bananas and avoiding alcohol. A special slideshow featuring June with her family and friends was displayed, along side copies of her beloved cookie recipe.

Surrounded by those dearest to her,June was overwhelmed with joy. The Hillview Rest Home, where June now resides, held separate celebrations. Staff and residents came together to sing songs, share delicious food, and enjoy a birthday cake in her honour. Barry Batley presented June with a special 100th birthday certificate from the NZRSA, signed by National President Sir Wayne “Buck” Shelford, former All Black.

June was born on June 22, 1925 and grew up in Wellington with her parents, brother, and sister. During World War II, she served proudly in the New Zealand Women’s Land Army, and in 2023, her service was formally recognised. After the war, she met her future husband,Christopher (Chris) Fagan, quite literally over the back fence in Marton. had just returned from over four years of service in the Middle East during the war. They married in 1948 and began their farming life together - first in Tirau, then on Cedric Verry’s farm, before settling on a ballot farm in the Mairoa district in 1949. Initially, Chris worked the land under government supervision to prove himself. June was especially grateful when power was connected to the property in 1952. They made the Mairoa district their home for more than 50 years, raising their six children - Robin, John, Kenneth, Geoffrey, Helen, and David - who attended Piopio Primary and Piopio District High School.

In 1998, June and Chris celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the same venue where June’s 100th was held. At the time, they shared that speaking freely, never going to bed angry, and having respect for each other were the secrets to a long and happy marriage. Chris passed away in 2002.

A little while later, June moved closer to town, eventually settling in Te Kuiti, where she lived independently until the age of 97. For the past three years, she has been a resident at Hillview Rest Home, where she continues to knit her beloved booties - some of which have even made their way to Starship Hospital.

Today, June’s legacy includes 22 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren—five generations! A truly impressive milestone.

Happy 100th birthday, June, and heartfelt congratulations on a life so well lived.