Mema o Te Apārangi | Member profile: Carina Ling

Tell us about your role at the Society.

I work as a Finance Administrator, one of the people who keep things moving behind the scenes. My focus is on finance and membership. I send out invoices, process payments, and keep the accounts in balance. Members usually hear from me at least once a year when their subscription invoice goes out. I also keep their details up to date so everything runs smoothly.

What has been a defining highlight of your experience at the Society?

One of the best parts of my time at the Society has been helping Members sort out their problems. Their inquiries are sometimes very small, like a question about an invoice or how to reset a password. But once the problem is fixed, the kind thanks I receive from Members always makes my day. In those moments, I feel a real connection with them, and I can see that what I do makes a difference. These simple and warm interactions are what I enjoy most, and they are the moments that make my role meaningful.

What were the contributing factors for choosing to work at Royal Society Te Apārangi?

One of the reasons I chose to work at the the Society comes from my family. My great-grandfather on my mother’s side was a geologist, and at home we still have many of his research diaries and science books. His passion for discovery and research left a strong impression on me, and it was also one of the reasons I decided to come to New Zealand to study. I feel very lucky to be part of the Society where I can make my own small contribution to supporting science and research.

When not working, I enjoy...

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time studying as I am working on my second Master’s degree. Most evenings I spend time with my books and my assignments – it has become part of my daily routine! To keep balance, my weekends are for pilates and yoga. I like how they give me a break from screens, help me reset, and leave me ready for whatever the next week brings.