NZ marriage could be world record

NEW Zealand’s longest-married couple say life hasn’t been a bed of roses – but tolerance and sacrifice has seen them through.

Jeram and Ganga Ravji, pictured, both turn 103 this year and will celebrate their 84th wedding anniversary in April. And it’s thought that makes them have the longest marriage of any living couple in the world.

The Ravjis were born in the small Indian town of Karadi and were betrothed aged six. The pair married at 19 and moved to New Zealand in 1953.

‘‘Our parents instilled in us ‘this is the way to do it’ and this is what you have to do,’’ Ganga said.

‘‘We listened to our parents and we never questioned them. It hasn’t been a bed of roses – lots of tragedies – but you have to live with it, and work through it,’’ Ganga said.

Guinness World Records spokesperson Jessica Dawes said it was always searching for new record holders, and was keen to hear from the couple.