June (nee Roberts), 87, and Ron Jackson, 88, met as teenagers in Brisbane, Australia — "of course at a dance", Mrs Jackson said.
She was often taller than her dance partners and was drawn to Mr Jackson because of his height.
When the ladies had an opportunity to pick their dance partner she "immediately got him up and it went on from there", Mrs Jackson said.
They were married in Wynnum, Brisbane, in 1959 and came to New Zealand shortly after the wedding, settling first in Edendale and then in Clyde, where they established a vet clinic.
Working together at the clinic had given the pair a shared enjoyment in a job well done, Mr Jackson said.
"[We] enjoyed our work — got a lot of satisfaction from our work."
They have three children, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
"Our family’s been close and very supportive of each other — a really lovely feature," Mr Jackson said.
Mrs Jackson worked in a range of community volunteer roles, including Budget Advice and Victim Support.
The couple moved to Palmerston North while Mr Jackson studied for his doctorate in epidemiology from Massey University, which he completed in 1990.
Having a healthy respect for each other had been the key to their relationship, Mr Jackson said.
After travelling the world with Mr Jackson’s epidemiology work, they returned to Clyde eight years ago, deciding to stay in New Zealand, Mrs Jackson said.
"I’m still for the green and gold," Mr Jackson said.
