Margaret completed her nursing training at Balclutha Hospital and then moved on to further her career, beginning with gaining a Diploma in Intensive Care Nursing at Wellington Hospital. A three year stint overseas involved her in ICU work in Edinburgh in a renal transplant unit, and then after extensive travel she worked as an agency nurse in London and Essex. On her return to NZ she continued ICU work for some time before moving onto the Blood Transfusion Service and then to work as a Practice Nurse in Dunedin and Cromwell.

In 2012 Margaret took up a new role as a councillor for Rural Women New Zealand in Otago/Southland, a role that involved both governance and working with the membership. During her time with the organisation she has worked on the Health Portfolio, working as a strong authoritative voice to represent the continuing health needs of the rural population and communities.