As part of OCS’s 125th anniversary, we’re celebrating the colleagues who’ve helped shape our journey — people like Alison Winter who is celebrating 32 years’ service with OCS.
When Alison (Ali) walks through the doors of Plant & Food Research in Lincoln (Ōtautahi Christchurch), it’s not just another day at work – it’s a continuation of a family legacy that’s spanned more than 75 years.
Between Ali, her daughter, and her mother, three generations of women from the same family have delivered cleaning services at the same site for decades. Today, Ali is Supervisor, and her daughter is one of the five-person cleaning team she leads. Her mother was also a supervisor there before retiring.
“We’ve always taken pride in what we do,” says Ali. “It’s never just been a job – this place is part of our whānau.”
Her team is tight-knit and remarkably loyal. “No one’s going anywhere quickly,” she says. “We’ve all been here for years – Warren is our ‘baby’ at just seven or eight years’ service.”
Shifts start early – usually at 1am – to avoid interfering with sensitive research lab work. It’s hard work on the body, but the team stays because of something more.
“We’re not here because of the money,” Ali says. “We’re here because of the support. OCS backs us 100 per cent – from getting a soap dispenser replaced within the hour to making us feel genuinely valued.”
Ali credits her managers, past and present, with creating the conditions for that loyalty to thrive. “I can’t do my job without them. That support lets us look after the customer properly – and they notice.”
That mutual respect goes a long way. “The Plant & Food team invite us to their staff functions, include us in their social club, and even lend us equipment for our kids’ birthday parties. They treat us like part of their family – and that’s exactly how we feel.”
When a site-wide power outage threatened critical experiments, it wasn’t the site manager who got the first call – it was Ali. “They knew I’d show up. That’s what we do.”
She says every day is a highlight. “I love my job, and I love who I work for. That’s why I stay.”
Even her granddaughter is keen to join in. “She’s nine and already practicing toilet cleaning at home,” Ali laughs. “It’s definitely in the genes.”
Ali recently received a commemorative award as part of OCS’s 125-year celebrations – a small gesture to honour decades of dedication, loyalty, and care.
For Ali, it’s always been about more than just the work. “It’s that sense of purpose and belonging that’s kept our three generations coming back – and it’s what continues to shape OCS after 125 years.”
