yesterday today on new statistics that showed about one in 10 people were on benefits in Rotorua, although that number had dropped slightly from a year ago.
Miss Rees is no longer one of them - and was ecstatic to have a job and be off the unemployment benefit.
She said it was a change in job role for her and she was learning new things.
She said she was worried she would not find another job, but she had persevered and was very grateful.
Miss Rees has three children and had wanted to stay at home with the youngest one for a bit longer before going back to work but it had not been financially possible.
Her advice to people who were currently searching or struggling to find jobs was to not be shy, go out and look for work, and be themselves.
Nothing was set in stone and she encouraged people to keep going, she said.
"When you have hit rock bottom, carry on."
She said she wanted to thank Work and Income for their help and support.
YHA Rotorua manager Haylee Bloor said she did not employ Miss Rees through Work and Income, but had filled roles that way previously.
She said generally the hostel advertised on online job sites such as TradeMe.
She said it was credit to Miss Rees that she had been looking for a long time and did not give up.