She continued teaching dance up until joining a travelling acting troupe, The New Zealand Players, in 1956.
The major turning point in her life came two years later when she won the Miss Cinema contest, and moved to London to take up the prize of a screen test and follow her dream of becoming a star.
The screen test turned out to be little more than a publicity stunt, but Nyree persisted and eventually embarked on an acting and dancing career in London's theatres.
Nyree was catapulted into fame after landing the role of Irene in the Forsyte Saga: the first television literary soap opera. Broadcast in 1967, the show attracted a worldwide audience of more than 160 million viewers in 26 countries.
Her portrayal of the heroine captivated the public imagination, to the extent that when Neil Armstrong was asked who he would like to meet after he returned from the moon, he answered - Nyree Dawn Porter. Her performance also won Nyree a Bafta award and in 1970, she was appointed an OBE for services to television.
Nyree's extraordinary fame in Britain and Europe did not translate back to her own country to the same extent. Ships were named after her, she received sack loads of fan mail, and even featured on British stamps but the BBC episode of 'This is Your Life: Nyree Dawn Porter' was never even shown on New Zealand television.
Through this exhibition, Jess and I hope to shed light on this remarkable performer and Hawke's Bay woman. We would be very interested to hear from anyone who knew Nyree or who has related objects, photographs or information. The exhibition opens in September.
*Drop in Zone - Our family drop in zone is up and running! Come in out of the cold and enjoy craft activities, a reading space and the existing Art Deco inspired colouring wall. Open every weekend.
*Kids can also play at being a museum detective and take part in a search for objects throughout MTG, with a prize for every child who completes the search. Available every day.
*Chamber Music New Zealand presents a solo recital by British pianist Kathryn Stott, renowned for her interpretations of French piano repertoire. Thursday, May 18, 7.30pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
Gail Pope
Curator social history
MTG Hawke's Bay Tai Ahuriri