Happy 108th birthday Doris!
In her younger years, Doris Wakelin never gave any thought to living into her 100s.
Today she celebrates turning 108-years-old.
It will be a low-key affair. She is looking forward to friends and family popping in to see her as she celebrates.
''It's just another day really, it's not a big deal,'' Doris said.
Birthday cards started arriving at her Ashburton home on Monday and she was looking forward to receiving one from King Charles.
''I am happy living independently and don't know if I would last long in care,'' she said.
''The homes do a good job, it's just not my thing.''
Doris, a longtime fan of UK television presenter Bradley Walsh, is also a keen quizzer.
''I keep myself busy watching tv. I especially enjoy Bradley Walsh in The Chase and in the programme travelling with his son,'' Doris said.
She also enjoyed murder mysteries and quiz shows.
In many of the quizzes on television or the magazines that she enjoys doing, she recalls the answers to questions from her school days.
''I enjoy doing quizzes and puzzles as it keeps my brain active,'' Doris said.
Doris said she believes the secret to living a long life is to eat plain, down-to-earth food, keeping busy, being active and always looking at the positives.
Her family continues to grow, and she is now the proud great-grandmother to 36 children, and great great grandmother to 29; the latest is named Beverley Doris, born in the past year.
Doris, at age 108, is the fourth-oldest Aotearoa resident, the second oldest New Zealander born in New Zealand, the third oldest female in the country and the oldest person in the South Island.
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Otago Daily Times
23-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Happy 108th birthday Doris!
Doris Wakelin is celebrating her 108th birthday today in a low key affair with family and friends. PHOTO: DELLWYN MOYLAN In her younger years, Doris Wakelin never gave any thought to living into her 100s. Today she celebrates turning 108-years-old. It will be a low-key affair. She is looking forward to friends and family popping in to see her as she celebrates. ''It's just another day really, it's not a big deal,'' Doris said. Birthday cards started arriving at her Ashburton home on Monday and she was looking forward to receiving one from King Charles. ''I am happy living independently and don't know if I would last long in care,'' she said. ''The homes do a good job, it's just not my thing.'' Doris, a longtime fan of UK television presenter Bradley Walsh, is also a keen quizzer. ''I keep myself busy watching tv. I especially enjoy Bradley Walsh in The Chase and in the programme travelling with his son,'' Doris said. She also enjoyed murder mysteries and quiz shows. In many of the quizzes on television or the magazines that she enjoys doing, she recalls the answers to questions from her school days. ''I enjoy doing quizzes and puzzles as it keeps my brain active,'' Doris said. Doris said she believes the secret to living a long life is to eat plain, down-to-earth food, keeping busy, being active and always looking at the positives. Her family continues to grow, and she is now the proud great-grandmother to 36 children, and great great grandmother to 29; the latest is named Beverley Doris, born in the past year. Doris, at age 108, is the fourth-oldest Aotearoa resident, the second oldest New Zealander born in New Zealand, the third oldest female in the country and the oldest person in the South Island.
Otago Daily Times
03-06-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Host of The Chase NZ revealed
Paul Henry. File photo Broadcaster Paul Henry has been named as the host of The Chase New Zealand, a gig which he accepted with "no hesitation". A special four-episode series of The Chase New Zealand will follow the original format of the popular British game show hosted by Bradley Walsh. 'What kind of crazy fool would turn down an opportunity to host the most popular game show in the world?" Henry said in a statement on Wednesday. Paul Henry has been picked to host the local version of the popular game show. 'People might see a slightly different side to me in The Chase, I will really be wanting my teams to win, and I can be enormously charming when I put my mind to it." TVNZ had not confirmed which Chasers would feature on the show but previously said 16 New Zealanders would take on brains from The Chase Australia for a "substantial cash prize". There were also talks of quiz queen Anne Hegerty, known as 'The Governess' on The Chase UK, signing up for the show. Henry started his television career as the game show host of Every Second Counts and in 2024 won bronze at the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards for best host for his work on The Traitors NZ. Henry told Breakfast he thought he was "quite similar" to popular UK host Walsh. "He is the biggest star but he doesn't behave like he is the biggest star. There's only one Bradley doing one franchise... and he's pretty much nailed it." The series, commissioned by TVNZ and produced by ITV Studios Australia will be shot in Sydney and become the 22nd adaptation of The Chase format. No air date has been set for the show.
Scoop
03-06-2025
- Scoop
TVNZ Reveals The Host Of The Chase New Zealand
Press Release – TVNZ Across four prime-time specials, Paul will guide contestants through the ultimate battle of brains as they face off against the Chasers in a thrilling, high-stakes test of knowledge and nerve. Broadcasting legend Paul Henry takes on the role of host of TVNZ's The Chase New Zealand, bringing his trademark energy and charisma to the iconic quiz show. Across four prime-time specials, Paul will guide contestants through the ultimate battle of brains as they face off against the Chasers in a thrilling, high-stakes test of knowledge and nerve. Known for his sharp wit and banter, Paul started his television career as the game show host of Every Second Counts on TVNZ, and in 2024 won bronze at the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards for best host for his work on The Traitors NZ. 'I had absolutely no hesitation in saying yes to hosting The Chase New Zealand. What kind of crazy fool would turn down an opportunity to host the most popular game show in the world? 'People might see a slightly different side to me in The Chase, I will really be wanting my teams to win, and I can be enormously charming when I put my mind to it' says Henry. The Chase New Zealand specials will follow the popular long-running original format, with 16 New Zealanders showing off their general knowledge prowess during the Cash Builder rounds, in the hope of winning a substantial cash prize in the Final Chase. The Chase New Zealand's premiere will be announced at a later date. TVNZ commissioned ITV Studios Australia to produce the four-part specials. The Chase New Zealand makes it an incredible 22 countries where ITV Studios' renowned The Chase format is produced.
