Robyn van Reenen
Topics: farming, crafting, community groups, education
Robyn grew up on a farm and always had an interest in animals. As a result she gained a degree in agriculture and went on to travel around the United States studying and working with cattle.
She moved to Wānaka as Robyn van Reenen, when her husband Gilbert set up the first veterinarian practice in the Upper Clutha. Robyn became very involved with home-crafts such as quilting and embroidery, and her leadership potential resulted in her becoming the second President of the annual Autumn Arts School in Wānaka. She ran these week-long courses at Mount Aspiring College from the 1980s until her retirement in 2023, and was instrumental in bringing many well-known tutors to Wānaka. Courses were in art, crafts and writing and the number of participants increased every year of her tenure.
Interviewed by Gaynor Corkery
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