Life as wife of Stan Sharpe (the first Department of Internal Affairs wildlife ranger at Taiaroa Head) was never dull, she said.
"Stan's job wasn't just a job. It was a lifestyle which I was very much a part of."
She recalled many hours out on the windswept coastline, helping with predator eradication and holding the albatross chicks while her husband put identification bands on their legs.
While their house in Portobello was often like a vet clinic, it was also a friendly shelter for visitors to the colony before the cafes and visitor centres were built.
"Stan used to bring home visitors for afternoon tea - often with very little notice."
During Mr Sharpe's tenure as a ranger at Taiaroa Head (1951-68), many dignitaries and famous people visited the colony, including the Queen Mother and Princess Anne.
Mrs Sharpe said meeting the Queen Mother was a highlight because she treated everyone she met with respect. Mrs Sharpe was born deaf and communicates with people by lip-reading - something the Queen Mother was sensitive to and accepting of.
Many of the dignitaries who visited the house remained long-term friends, and frequently sent Christmas cards and letters.
"I've had a very interesting and happy life."
Mrs Sharpe had remained good friends with the wildlife rangers who had worked at the colony since Mr Sharpe.
They included Alan and Connie Wright, Shirley Webb and Lyndon Perriman. Mrs Sharpe celebrated her birthday with them and family yesterday.
