Robyn Simmons, Blenheim, QSM, services to highland dancing
Mrs Robyn Simmons has been involved with highland dancing nationally and internationally for the last 40 years. She has been on the council for the Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand since 2002 and has served the organisation for 35 years. She is currently co-director and a founding member of the Marlborough Dance Centre and has had 20 of her students achieve New Zealand Championship titles. Her pupils have performed in New Zealand teams at the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo, the Virginia Tattoo and the Wonju Tattoo. She has been a member of the New Zealand Academy of Highland and National Dancing since 1975, and served on their technical committee since 1985. She has voluntarily directed and choreographed the Spring Creek Lions Club project ‘Stars in Your Eyes’ since 2007, which has raised $90,000 for the youth of Marlborough. Earlier this year, Mrs Simmons received the Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand Meritorious Award.