Aileen Kars, the oldest known living person in New Zealand, celebrated her 113th birthday
The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is pleased to announce that Mrs. Aileen Emily Kars (née Schwass), the oldest known living person in New Zealand, celebrated her 113th birthday in Palmerston North, Manawatu-Whanganui, on 12 September 2026.
Aileen Kars was born as Aileen Emily Schwass in Tokomaru, Manawatu-Whanganui, New Zealand (North Island), on 12 September 1913.
In 1935, she married Leslie John Henry Kars, going on to have two children together – both sons. Leslie passed away in 1990, after which Aileen never remarried.
On 29 July 2022, following the death of 110-year-old Joan Brennan, she became the oldest known living person in New Zealand.
On 12 September 2023, she celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming a supercentenarian.
On 3 December 2023, her age was officially validated by the GRG, verified by Oliver Trim and Dr. Wacław Jan Kroczek.
On 5 June 2024, following the death of 111-year-old Olga Abate of Australia, she became the oldest known living person in Oceania.
On 29 October 2024, aged 111 years and 47 days, she has surpassed the final age of Madeline Anderson, becoming the oldest person ever born in New Zealand.
Aileen Kars currently lives in a care facility in Palmerston North, Manawatu-Whanganui, New Zealand (North Island), at the age of 113. She is currently the second-oldest person ever to live in New Zealand, after Florence Finch (who was born in the United Kingdom).
The GRG extends warm congratulations to Mrs. Aileen Kars on her 113th birthday.
LINKS
1. New Zealand’s Oldest Person Turns 113 (Facebook post)
2. ‘Beautiful soul’: Aotearoa’s oldest person turns 113 (Instagram post)