A 100-year-old man from Auala, Savaii is applauding the New Zealand Citizenship he received in March. He is one of many who became eligible for citizenship following the passing of the Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Bill.

"It's all thanks to God, if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be able to receive such a blessing," Seve said.

"I also thank the Lototau Agency for processing and applying for my citizenship."

Seve who was born on 8 August 1924 is eligible under the new citizenship requirements for all Samoans who were born between 1924-1949 who become New Zealand citizens.

Sharing about how he have reached a 100 years of life, Seve said the secret is loving to walk in the olden days.

"I am a member of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS) and in those days I used to walk three to four miles to take food to all the church ministers of our parish in Savaii," Seve said.

"Most of the time, I leave my family at Auala for three days because it's far so I have to sleep at some friend's house and then continue my journey back home after taking the food to the church ministers of up to four villages in our parish," he said. 

Seve said this was a norm and he loved doing it when he was young.

The father of ten with more than 40 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren said he couldn't believe that he reached 100 years of life and is ready to go to NZ.

"I am ready to go to NZ," Seve said excitedly.

Seve still remembers everything about his journey in life in the past as he reminisces about the struggles and the happy memories.

Seve attended Vaisala Primary School and the CCCS Bible study at Auala.

He worked at an early age, in 1953 he was employed as a land surveyor before working at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and then worked at Asau under the Ministry of Agriculture before retiring.

He acknowledged the assistance and the service of Lototau Agency and their quick processing as he received his NZ citizenship within only three months period of applying.

Asked whether he will now reside in New Zealand, he said he is ready to travel but will always come back to Samoa where he grew up.

Seve as he will be celebrating 101 years of life in August. He said he is strong and still loves to walk.

"I will be 101 years younger in August, thank God for the gift of life so that I will continue to serve my family, villages and especially my church," he said.