Turning an impressive 100 years old today, Alva Parkinson is content with her how her life has played out so far.

'I've done everything I'd like to do,” says Alva.

Born in Dunedin on September 17, 1922, Alva lived down South before moving to the Bay of Plenty in the 1950s with her husband Alan Parkinson and four children.

Alva says she has one of the first houses to be built in Goods Rd, Pillans Point.

'We built it ourselves and I'm still living in the same house today – 67 years later,” says Alva. 'There was no harbour bridge then, no school; it all came after we arrived.”

Alva Parkinson enjoys reading just about anything but steers clear of romance novels. Photo: Georgia Minkhorst.

Although seeing a lot of change, there is nothing Alva would want to change in her life – she is happy with her centenary's list of accomplishments.

'I've been up in an air balloon, I've been whitewater rafting and did a bit of skiing on Mount Cook, and I've been on a glider and been all around the world – so I've done my trip,” says Alva.

Getting around on a 1960s scooter in her middle age years, Alva even squeezed in getting her driver's licence at 72 years old.

'I've still got it too – it doesn't expire until the 17th of September.”

A talented seamstress throughout her life, Alva still sews to this day.

'Over the years I've made everything from dolls clothes to bridal outfits.”

During World War II, in Dunedin Alva was sewing dresses for a large company. She and her friend decided to explore other jobs and went to recruitment agency Manpower. However their company manager found out and told Manpower they were making pyjamas for soldiers for the war effort, so were then told they couldn't leave .

'That was all just one big lie just to keep us there,”says Alva.

Her other main hobby is reading.

'I love history and all sorts of books about different countries – anything except romance.”

Alva Parkinson and her son Lindsay Parkinson. Photo: Georgia Minkhorst

Asked her secret to a long life, Alva, who has always been a keen baker and cook, says: 'A lot of food”. She recommends eating three vegetables and meat for dinner every night. 'I've always liked good meals.”

With five grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren – and one more on the way – Alva's advice to them is simple:

'Have a good life, eat healthy and do what you want to do”.