Since 2003 she has worked as a local history writer and produced three school histories – Nelson Central (2003), Richmond Primary (2006), Tahunanui School (2007-2008), as well as a 50th anniversary history of a community group. Karen also works with the Nelson Provinicial Museum and writes a weekly column, ‘Fifty Years Ago’, for the Nelson Mail. She is currently studying towards a BA (History) through Massey University, focusing on medieval and New Zealand history.