He worked in trade associations in London in 1965 to 1967. He developed industrial training programs in Feltex Carpets, Wellington N.Z. 1970-1971. He was senior advocate New Zealand Employers' Federation 1971-1973, senior advocate Auckland Employers Association 1973-1980 and Industrial Relations Manager, General Foods (part of Goodman, Fielder, Wattie) 1980-1981. He joined Fletcher Challenge Limited in 1981 and was appointed Industrial Relations Manager in July 1981.