Dee is proud to tell people what she does and to inspire other woman to start their own careers in Stevedoring. “I started in Stevedoring when my life turned upside down after my fiancé passed away. I needed a complete change and wanted to do something that would challenge me.” Dee applied to work as a car driver at Lyttleton Port and ended up driving large machinery and tractors. After moving to Nelson 2 years ago, Dee applied to join Port Nelson’s Stevedoring team. “I learnt so much about myself and what I was capable of during the worst time of my life. After moving to Nelson, I joined the Port Nelson team as a casual Stevedore. The hours suited my lifestyle so that I could still do the things I love outside of work - hiking.” “What I love about Port Nelson is the really great people, everyone is supportive. I may not be physically strong enough to work 12 hours in lashing but it isn’t expected. You just have to put your best foot forward.”