The couple enjoyed a 65th wedding anniversary afternoon tea with friends and family at the Leslie Groves Rest Home in Roslyn, Dunedin, yesterday.
The pair met at a dance at St John's Hall in Christchurch and it was that pastime which helped spark their interest in each other, Mr Sullivan said.
‘‘We were both keen dancers, and we were able to dance together quite well.''
Mr Sullivan (87) was born in Timaru, while Mrs Sullivan (89) was born in Christchurch.
They moved to Dunedin in 1957 when Mr Sullivan secured a job as a mechanic at Otago Motors.
He continued to work as a mechanic throughout his career, which included stints at Manapouri Power Station and Stewart's Transport, Dunedin, before retiring when he was 60.
Mrs Sullivan was predominantly a stay-home mum and raised five children: Pauline (62), Dianne (61), Wayne (59), Karen (50) and Glenda, who died at the age of 52, eight years ago.
The couple have 14 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
