Genevieve's secret to long life 'I CHOOSE JOY EVERY SINGLE DAY'

The hotel employee has just retired at 90 - and has an offer for the All Blacks!

- Kasia De Vydt-Jillings

For 22 years, Genevieve Bakker was a familiar voice on the phone to hundreds of Accor Hotel members around New Zealand.

From her office over-looking the Auckland Harbour, she welcomed new members, renewed old ones and made lifelong friends along the way. And she has only just retired - at the sprightly age of 90.

For 22 years, Genevieve Bakker was a familiar voice on the phone to hundreds of Accor Hotel members around New Zealand.

From her office overlooking the Auckland Harbour, she welcomed new members, renewed old ones and made lifelong friends along the way. And she has only just retired - at the sprightly age of 90.

"I never thought I would reach the age I am and still be working," marvels Genevieve. "It seems like a dream at the moment, wondering, 'Have I really retired?' It's only been a few weeks, so I feel as if I'm just on holiday."

Genevieve found her vocation later in life. She had worked briefly at a bank in her youth before heading abroad on her big OE, eventually settling down and marrying Air Force man Kees Bakker, then raising their daughter Michelle.

"My husband did a lot of travelling and I used to go with him," she shares. "Then one day, I felt inspired to be back in the workforce."