Caroline Steer

1983 to 1987

Caroline completed five years at Matamata College in 1987.  As well as achieving at the highest level academically, Caroline was a member of the College Orchestra playing the flute.  Owen Workman was the music teacher at that time.  She was also a member of the 1st XI Hockey team and in her own words “Excelled at Cross Country Avoidance!”  (Like many others!)

 

Caroline attended Auckland University from 1988-1992 and graduated with a B Com.  Her career over the past 24 years has been in Quality Management.  She has been employed by Fonterra, Goodman Fielder, AFFCO and George Weston Foods.  The last three years she has worked in Auckland at GWF a job she loved.  However, as she lived in Hamilton, Caroline tired of the travel, traffic and impact her absence was having on their four children.  Recently, September, she commenced employment at Tatua (near Morrinsville).  She is really enjoying the role; much less stress, limited commute and a much improved family balance.

 

Her achievements have been many and varied.  Five years ago she would have listed her results, roles and titles as her greatest achievements.  With the benefit of a wakeup call health wise, and the gift of plenty of time to reflect on who she is, what she is doing and how she does it, her perspective has had an about face.  Caroline now believes her greatest achievements are:

  1. Her family and friends
  2. Her health
  3. The mistakes she has learnt from
  4. And the strangers she has got to know along the way.

 

Caroline is great friends with Vanessa Oshima (MacKenzie) who is legendary for her continuous running for cancer.  Vanessa has now gone past 1500 days running at least five kilometres per day without missing a day.  She recently became the first New Zealand women to complete all six major world marathons.  (Germany was No 6).  Caroline’s travel highlight without a doubt was travelling to Japan and staying/touring with Vanessa.  The experience was awe inspiring and gave her an incredible taste of their beautiful country.  Japan was spectacular as were the flavours.  She was amazed by the kindness and integrity of the Japanese people.  Over the years Caroline has also enjoyed opportunities to travel to USA, Caribbean, France, Singapore and Australia

 

Not only does Vanessa run, she raises money for the NZ Cancer Society and ALS and inspires others.  Caroline’s son Connor has been inspired by Vanessa and has been running for Cancer every day for over a year.  He has recently completed the Auckland Marathon.

 

She and Mark married in 1995 and have four children.  Ryan 19, Connor 18, Tyler 16 and Lachie 13.  They have all attended St Pauls Collegiate (Hamilton) where Grant Lander is Principal.  Caroline was taught by Grant and he has had significant influence on her education and subsequent career.