Deborah worked for 13 years as a lawyer in the areas of Conveyancing and Estates. This legal experience has been helpful in assisting organisations she has supported. She was Publicity Officer for 13 years for The Southern Field days, New Zealand’s second largest field days, where she promoted and worked with media companies and journalists. Deborah is a founding member and Trustee for The Nattering Knitter Trust whose volunteers create hug rugs for those in need. She is actively involved in the fundraising and general administration of this trust. Deborah is a founding Member and Treasurer for the Waimumu Art & Craft Exhibition Inc., a biennial exhibition promoting local and emerging artists while raising funds for the local school and District hall maintenance
For 28 years, Deborah and her husband leased and worked on a 1100 ha Hill Country beef, sheep and deer farm in Eastern Southland New Zealand. She feels very connected to the land and feels we are all obligated to ensure the environment is protected maintained but in a logical and commonsense way so avoiding unnecessary harm to farmers and future food security. Deborah is currently working as an Office Administrator for FishjetNZ Ltd, a guided fishing company in Te Anau Fiordland, which she part owner.
Deborah originally joined Soroptimist International Gore Club in 1993 and rejoined in January 2011. She was Club President for 4 years, Club Secretary and Executive Member. She has been President for SIANZ South Region and the newly established SIANZ and has served as Region and Federation Programme Co-ordinator.