#SheLooksLikeMe: Debbie - Kiwi Fresh
What does your job entail?
My day-to-day consists of handling the financial and admin side of the business. Although I grew up in the meat industry – my Dad started a butchery chain in SA – in our new business, I am focused on the admin and dry stock ordering and merchandising.
What attracted you to this industry?
I can honestly say it was not an industry that I was planning to be involved in – even with the family connections. I had just completed my legal studies and was taking a break – my dad asked me to come in and assist in his store when one of his admin ladies left suddenly. That was 30 years ago.
What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced and overcome in your career?
I am happy to say that in New Zealand I feel it really is a place of equal opportunity. No one here seems to consider it unusual for women to be blockman/butchers. When I first started it was very unusual so obviously made it harder to be taken seriously in the industry. Funny story in SA I was one of 2 female partners in our butchery chain. There were over 20 partners and at the board meeting I remember being asked to take minutes! I had no idea how to even take minutes so I obviously turned down that ‘offer”
Why are women in the meat sector so important?
I think it is important for women to be involved in all sectors – this is a time of equal opportunity and we need to be grabbing those opportunities and showing that we are capable of anything. Meat is such a diverse sector that there are so many divisions and opportunities for women.
What is your advice to the industry to encourage more women?
Create more opportunity and use media to highlight the opportunities for women in the industry.
What is your advice to any young women considering a similar career?
Find a company/business you can relate to whether a smaller family team or a bigger corporate team and work in the industry to establish how you would like to grow your career – butchery apprenticeships are offered at most places of employment and an excellent way to get your training whilst being hands-on and earning a wage.
#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