Madeline Anderson, considered by many to be the oldest living New Zealander, died on Thursday aged 111.

One of the oldest people in New Zealand has died aged 111.

Madeline Anderson – who celebrated her birthday on May 4 and was considered by many to be the oldest living New Zealander – lived through some of history's darkest days and saw every aspect of her daily life transform dramatically.

She died on Thursday, surrounded by her family.

Anderson's Polish grandparents, Franciszka and August Orlowski​, arrived in Port Chalmers, Dunedin in December 1872. The pair settled in Waihola and had 10 children. Madeline's father, John Andrew, was the fourth child and the second son. Madeline – the eldest of four sisters – was born on the city's famous Baldwin St in 1907.

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Before her death, she lived in Masterton with her daughter, Heather List, and her son-in-law, Robin List.

List said Anderson was the best mother "anyone could ask for".

ROSS GIBLIN/STUFF Anderson at 12-years-old (right), before she fell off a horse-drawn carriage and seriously injured her jaw.

"She was just always there and always loving."

Anderson lived through some of history's most momentous events, she said.

"She wasn't really affected by the world wars, but the Great Depression really did affect her."

The depression meant Anderson could not afford to marry the man she was engaged to at the time and the relationship just "fizzled" out.

Tragic events in Anderson's life left a lasting impression.

Her son Brian died while riding a bicycle when he was 7 years old. Her foster son Graeme then died in a car accident, aged 20.

ROSS GIBLIN/STUFF Anderson, seen here in 2017, was born on Dunedin's famous Baldwin St, the world's steepest street, in 1907.

"Both deaths were absolutely tragic," List said.

Another major moment in Anderson's life came when she fell off a horse-drawn carriage when she was about 12 years old, she said. She was seriously injured and required jaw reconstruction surgery.

List said people would often ask Anderson what her longevity secret was.

"She used to tell people to eat their vegetables, but I know she always loved cakes and biscuits.

"Her secret was that she was just a loving person and not in a gushy way. She was always considerate and treated everyone with affection and respect."

List attributed her mother's longevity to being surrounded by people who loved and cared for her.

A ceremony to celebrate Anderson's life will be held in Upper Hutt on Friday.