#SheLooksLikeMe: Helen Clotworthy - Pokeno Bacon
What does your job entail?
Being an employer there were many hats I wore, at one stage we had 48 staff and I was responsible for managing staff, delivering outstanding customer service, managing the demand for our product, managing our office obligations, managing our cash flow and more.
What attracted you to this industry?
My husband John, is a Butcher. He wanted to leave Auckland, so we moved to a rural area with our 3-month-old son. John needed help, so I stepped up. We were self-employed with no experience, John learned the craft of curing and small goods manufacturing, I learned the skills of sales, delivery, office administration while juggling raising a family, four children. As our skills and sales increased so did our learning, each step was more trial and error, we did this together, we gave everything a go.
What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced and overcome in your career?
Usually being the only female working “at the coalface” in any industry events, e.g. Conference, sales, purchasing.
Why are women in the meat sector so important?
Women have an “eye for detail”, sloppy cutting, and presentation results in dissatisfaction from the customer, they will not return. That “eye for detail” will include a sparkling retail environment, marketing material displayed, and outstanding communication skills honed from a deep knowledge of the industry gladly shared.
What is your advice to the industry to encourage more women?
Have a go, you can do this. Just pick up a knife, start cutting. The more you read and learn, the more you realise you can do this. Creating a delicious meal starts with crafting the cut you need. Surround yourself with people who will share their knowledge whether it is a specialty product or full-on breaking down and boning out.
What is your advice to any young women considering a similar career?
The opportunities are endless, the quality of our meat is world-leading, from our breeders and farmers to the end product for sale, each step has professionals who want the best outcome for our customers whether it is for our daily meal or a special occasion restaurant meal. Be proud of your achievements.
#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