The couple held a special celebration at their Dunedin home on Saturday.
The pair first met in Dunedin in 1961, while both were studying at Otago University.
She studied home science, while he studied botany and geography.
"I was at a gathering in Castle St and this young woman came bouncing across to me. It was very memorable," Mr Jowett (83) said.
"I think it was love at first sight for me; I'm not sure whether it was for her."
The couple began their relationship shortly after this, and they were engaged while at teachers’ college in 1963.
They were married in Christchurch on January 4, 1964.
"Marita had all of her Christchurch friends and whanau there. My side was not so extensive, as I'm from Invercargill, but it was a wonderful day."
Mr Jowett had a wide and varied teaching career, which included stints at Matamata College, Shirley Boys’ High School in Christchurch, and a nine-year term as principal of Mackenzie College in Fairlie, South Canterbury.
Mrs Jowett (83) also taught part-time while looking after their three children.
After retiring from teaching, the couple lived in Staveley, mid-Canterbury, where they ran an eco-tourism business.
They moved to Dunedin about eight years ago to be closer to children and grandchildren.
Mr Jowett said he was overwhelmed with "enormous gratitude" for the past 60 years of marriage.
"We've kept physically fit, and shared a lot of common interests, such as tramping and bird-watching.
"I enjoy my photography, and we're both keen conservationists."
Mrs Jowett credits the longevity of their marriage to faith and communication.
"We're still learning a lot about each other.
"I think we complement each other.
"We're always trying to find that right balance."
The couple said they loved the nature and heritage of Dunedin.
"There’s a lot of beauty to this city; and in a way, it brings our story full circle," Mr Jowett said.
