Birthday joy for cultural treasure

Peg Moorhouse woke on Saturday and pulled open the curtains of her Sunshine Bay home.

She took a moment to admire the view she has loved for decades, smiling at the thought of the day ahead. For the acclaimed weaver had much to celebrate, turning 105 years old.

And while she hasn’t smoked in decades or drink alcohol, the talented artist has no idea as to the secret of her longevity.

“I’m not quite sure how I’ve done it,” she says, “I never expected to still be here.”

Born in 1917 near Ashburton, Peg grew up in Christchurch with her cousin the painter and potter Margaret Anderson at Risingholme, a grand old house that was later gifted to the city.

The inaugural recipient of the Living Cultural Treasures award in 2012, Peg is modest about her success but still weaves most days.

“I just got up and got on with it, you can’t dwell on the bad times. I’ve had a full life and I’m grateful for it,” she says.

Peg’s original hand-woven hangings are showcased on her website pegmoorhouseweaver.co.nz.