New Zealand's oldest immigrant

A 102-year-old retired dentist looks set to become New Zealand's oldest immigrant when he quits Britain tomorrow to start a new life in Nelson. Eric King-Turner has packed up all his belongings to sail to the other side of the world with his 87-year-old, New Zealand-born wife Doris, the Daily Mail newspaper reported.

He departs tomorrow, on the Saga Rose cruise ship which will dock in Auckland on February 16. Mr King-Turner, who lives in the village of Titchfield, near Southampton, said he was looking forward to a British way of life in a country which is not as crowded.

Mrs King-Turner – who still has a house near Nelson – has been living in England since marrying her husband 12 years ago. Mr King-Turner, who was Surgeon Commander on the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable during World War 2, said:

"I think Doris has been a little bit homesick but has never complained. I like New Zealand. The way of life is very much the same as it is here but it is not so crowded and the weather is certainly better. I'm an Englishman through and through and there will be things I miss such as my friends but New Zealanders are very easy to get on with."