Our oldest New Zealander turns 107 today.

Jack Coe was born in 1916 in a tent in Bulls, and lived almost a century in Marton, in the Whangārei region.

His 77-year-old son, Peter Coe, says Jack stayed quite independent until going into a retirement home four months ago.

He says the secret to his longevity, could be his love of popcorn, beer and home-grown veggies.

"He did have a large veggie garden, and he always ate home-grown vegetables throughout the years."

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