Isey’s youngest son, James Cross, is not only her full-time carer, but also the chief birthday party planner. Every year since her 90th birthday, he’s made sure the celebrations have been extravaganzas.
“My mum is my leading lady always, and she comes number one,” he told The Hui.
Two hundred guests helped celebrate the great-grandmother’s 105th birthday at the Waitangi Golf Club in the Bay of Islands earlier this month.
Isey’s eldest child and only daughter Lorraine Walters is grateful her whanau are able to do this for their much-loved mum.
“To have her still here with us at this age is unbelievable, and I really credit James. Having him in her life and him caring for her all these years [is] just amazing.”