But 167 other New Zealanders across the country expecting a traditional congratulatory letter from the Prime Minister’s office may not be so lucky.
Ray Meldrum was furious when the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) emailed saying that because of the recent change of government there would be a delay in congratulatory messages from the Prime Minister and Minister for Seniors.
His mother, Dunedin resident Joyce Meldrum, will be celebrating her 100th birthday on December 18.
The email said they did not have a timeframe for when they would be sent out.
Mr Meldrum said that people who have made it to 100 could be dead before the congratulations were sent out.
"It’s disappointing, really disappointing. It’s almost sort of insulting."
After the Otago Daily Times contacted the Prime Minister’s office, a spokesman said a letter for Mrs Meldrum would be sent for her birthday.
It is unclear if the other 167 recipients of the email will also receive their birthday messages on time.
Mr Meldrum was pleased his mother would get recognition from Christopher Luxon, but said it did not change the situation for other centenarians who could miss out.
He believed the letter from the Prime Minister was more important than the letter centenarians received from King Charles III.
"It’s local and about our community, not about the King who’s all the way on the other side of the world.
"Is this the kind of community we’re in now? We’re not angry, just incredibly disappointed and let down."
DIA operations general manager Russell Burnard said Mrs Meldrum would also be receiving a letter from the King and the Governor-General.
