“For my 88th birthday in February, I did a tandem skydive and flew an aeroplane! When I was 85, I jumped off Auckland’s Sky Tower. I’m an adrenaline junkie!
I told my local paper that I’d like to fly a plane and the next minute, the Dargaville Aero Club rang to say they would like to take me for a flight. I was really surprised but elated as it was something I had always wanted to do. I even held the controls.
I turned the plane around, took it up higher in the sky and went out over the water.
When I skydived from 12,000 feet, I put extra glue on my dentures so they wouldn’t fall out!
“When I skydived from 12,000 feet, I put extra glue on my dentures so they wouldn’t fall out!” Audrey says.
My grandson and grandson-in-law jumped the same day. It was incredible – I wasn’t screaming, I just took in the view.
My daughter Alison was having kittens because she didn’t think I was doing the right thing with my legs when I landed. My instructor’s legs were straight, while I had mine bent and when we landed, I just sat on his knee. I didn’t even get grass stains on my white bowling trousers!
I jumped off the Sky Tower when I was 85, and while being prepared for the jump, I was told they would stop me part way down to wave to people in the window, so no way was I not going to do it.
Audrey jumped off the Auckland Sky Tower when she was 85 years old.
I took a look around and just stepped off! I wouldn’t have pulled out because I like to take up a challenge.
On my 50th, I climbed Mt Maungatapere and on my 60th, I climbed Mt Manaia, which was really steep in those days but now there is an easier path.
I had trouble with my short legs, but my friend helped me climb up there. I had birthday cake and lemonade at the top.
I’ve also journeyed right to the top of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia.
A lot of these things have come about since I’ve been a widow. When I had a young family, we’d go on walks and I would scramble over the cliffs and climb while the children and my husband would walk on the flat. I’ve always been like that! Now I have three children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. My great-grandchildren are eighth generation Kiwis.
I love travelling and have been to South Africa, Canada, Alaska, Bali, Vanuatu, Singapore, Hawaii, Fiji and nearly all of Australia. The first time I went to Canada was to attend the Commonwealth Games. At the time, I was the president of the New Zealand Women’s Bowling Association, so went to support the New Zealand team.
I’ve always been into sport and have played everything from bowls and badminton, to netball, table tennis and golf. I still play bowls and hope to continue on after I reach 90.
I’m a life member of the Northland Bowling Centre, as well as a patroness and life member of both the Northland Umpires Association and Onerahi Bowling Club, not to mention treasurer for the local Probus Club.
There’s just no stopping the 88-year-old thrillseeker.
In 1974, I became Northland Sports Woman of the Year and was once runner-up in the New Zealand Champion of Champion Singles. A few years ago, I was given the Northland Service to Sport award.
I was born in Kawakawa in 1926, lived in Okaihau until I was 10, then moved with my mother and father to Auckland.
At age 15, my aunty up north became very ill and needed someone to look after her three small children, so I was sent to her farm in Rangiahua. When I went back to Auckland, I worked until I married when I was 19.
Daughter Alison is so proud of her mum, who has three children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
While I have done many adventurous things in my life, the most momentous thing was meeting my husband Les at a country dance in Mt Roskill.
Les was a striking blond man who danced beautifully. We wed six months later and were married for 52 years before Les died. We were very happy.
Les built several boats over the years and we spent many days fishing and boating around the harbours up here. He also built a house for our retirement and I still live here.
He was always proud of my achievements and he wouldn’t have been surprised at my latest feats. The next thing I want to do is abseil, and I would also like to walk the Milford Track before I’m 90!”
As told to Linda Shackelford.
