Robinson was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. She moved to Auckland as a child, where she attended Carmel College. Her first job was in a bank, followed by a position as data processing manager at an importing and distribution company. She worked in a number of technology-related roles, including chief executive of Microsoft New Zealand, a position she left in 2007.[1]
In 2008 she helped launched the TZ1 Registry which became the largest environmental asset registry worldwide within four months of its establishment. She also sits on a number of boards, including Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development and the government-owned Network for Learning, a company that helps schools around the country access reliable, fast and safe internet connections with uncapped data.[1][2][3] She is also a member of the board of The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation and Sir Ray Avery’s Mondiale Technologies.[4][5]
With business partner Bridget Healy, Robinson founded Organic Initiative, or "Oi", a company producing affordable. biodegradable menstrual products.[1]
In 2016 Robinson received the Board and Management Award, as well as the Supreme Award, at the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards.[1]
In 2019, Robinson was the NEXT Woman of the Year in the Business and Innovation category.[6]
in 2018 Robinson was made a New Zealand Officer of Merit in the Queens Honours awards for services to technology and business.[7]