The Royal New Zealand Artillery

From NZ Herald

Rare salute music to 100-year-old ears as Frank Whiting conducts the RNZA Band.

Turning 100 certainly gives cause for celebration and for one Auckland centenarian there was no shortage of fanfare, with the arrival of the Royal New Zealand Artillery Band.
The long-time supporter of the country's oldest band was greeted by a trumpeting salute on the lawn of the Westmere Reserve where he sat in pride of place, surrounded by friends and family yesterday.

Despite being the guest of honour, Frank Whiting appeared rather taken aback at the media attention, saying: "I'm not one for the publicity."

But his proud family were not willing to let such a significant birthday pass without celebration and alongside the band there was a three-flavoured cake and champagne.
Mr Whiting, a war veteran and former grocer who has lived through two world wars and the Great Depression, has outlived his first wife, who died in 1968, his second wife who died about 15 years ago and his younger brother who died at 90.

His son, Roger Whiting, the only surviving member of their immediate family, described his father as a man who knew what he wanted but was also willing to help others. "Generous in nature ... that's dad to a tee."

When Frank Whiting was asked what he thought of getting to 100 he said it was "something you just don't think about".  He had no secret to longevity, but said he liked to eat good food, had the occasional wine with his meals and liked to read a bit.  He didn't go to parties because "I'm not a dancing man".
Each morning, as he had for the past "20 years or so", he underwent a stretching routine which helped keep him relatively fit and flexible.

To celebrate his reaching the century mark, Mr Whiting, who was born and raised in Auckland, went to St Matthew-in-the-City where he was baptised 82 years ago.