While being recognised as an "inspirational leader" is an honour for Gaylene Sciascia, it is one shared with those who have helped her celebrate the cultural diversity of New Zealand through dance.
In the New Year Honours announced today, Mrs Sciascia was made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to dance.
Aside from being a champion dancer, she founded New Zealand's first professional modern dance company, established the Whitireia Performing Arts course - the first of its kind - and is celebrated as a "visionary in the development of contemporary dance that celebrates the cultural diversity of Aotearoa".
Although born in Auckland, and now residing in Wellington, Central Hawke's Bay holds a special place for Mrs Sciascia.
Her husband Piri is from Porongahou, and it was at the town's Rongomaraeroa marae where Mrs Sciascia instigated the first National Dance Congress in 1976.