#SheLooksLikeMe: Deanne Teague - Ken Wilson Meats
What does your job entail?
My Job title is “Production Coordinator” for Ken Wilson Meats, but I juggle a few different jobs within the company. First and foremost, I organise the boning of our Beef each day through Taylor Prestons Ltd, trying to juggle producing enough product for our local butchers and supermarkets, while getting the best price we can to move some export.
I am also in charge of procuring all our Pork products and dabble in logistics, administration, and credits for Ken Wilson Meats.
What attracted you to this industry?
The meat industry was my first “Big Girl” job, at the age of 18 I worked in the industry for 6 years before I left. Almost (but not quite) 20 years later, I decided to come back and try it again. Knowing that it used to be very male-dominated back then, but hearing that things had begun to shift, this was a big drawcard for me. The challenging and ever-changing environment of the meat industry keeps me on my toes. And the supportive nature of the Ken Wilson Meats team and now the Meat Business Women, affirms that my move back was a good one.
What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced and overcome in your career?
A big challenge when bringing up my daughter was a lack of work flexibility; this has changed greatly now.
Why are women in the meat sector so important?
Women in this industry are so important, not only do we think differently, but work differently. The diversity and ideas that women bring to the sector have been shown to be a huge credit to the business
What is your advice to the industry to encourage more women?
Use different forums than the norm to showcase what the Meat Industry has to offer, and make it known that is more than just steel gloves and knives. There’s everything from vets, meat inspectors, supervisors, and managers.
What is your advice to any young women considering a similar career?
Give it a go, and you’ll be surprised at the opportunities the meat industry can offer.
#SheLooksLikeMe
#SheLooksLikeMe is a campaign that challenges the perceptions of careers in the meat industry. Its purpose is to highlight female role models and encourage more people to join the sector. For more information about Aotearoa New Zealand’s meat industry and the varied roles within, visit www.meatyourcareer.co.nz