Work is still a joy after 30 years

Chrissie Aratema now in 2015.

A lot of things happen in 30 years, and while some people go through several career changes in that time Chrissie Aratema today celebrates three decades with the Rotorua Daily Post.

She said she still loves her job.

"I've seen so many changes, especially among staff," Miss Aratema said. "Hundreds have probably gone through. I still love my job."

Chrissie Aratema back in her typesetting days.

When Miss Aratema left Rotorua Lakes High School she was "a drop out", she said. "A friend got me some work at New World to help out and then I got called in for an interview here. It was a very casual interview. I was asked to do a typing test and I started not long after that."

When Miss Aratema started in 1985 she worked in a leaky room at the back of the building. She was one of the few staff members to use a computer and spent all day typing. "We would have buckets all around our desks, but our room was the best because it had to be at a certain temperature.

"When the presses went that was the biggest change. They built circulation out the back. It was a bustling place when I started, packed with lots of staff on three levels - the Auckland Tourist Times was on the top floor. There were about 100 of us."

Her role is now sales operations support.

Rotorua Daily Post general manager David Mackenzie said it was a fantastic achievement.

"It's rare in today's workforce to find someone who has dedicated 30 years to one company.

"We appreciate Chrissie's loyalty and dedication over such a long period of time and look forward to many more years."