When I joined the Labour Party in 2005, it was my intention to deliver leaflets, not to run for office. It wasn't until after I married my husband, Scott, and moved to Nelson that the idea of running for Parliament became a possibility and then a reality. I spent three years as student president at our local polytech, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. We campaigned to keep courses running, like the supported training programme for students with intellectual disabilities and the adventure tourism programme. After that, I spent six years as an organiser with FIRST Union and two years as a health and safety coordinator for the Anglican Diocese of Nelson. I am grateful for the support and friendship of my former colleagues.