"That's what everybody did. You had a baby and the next day you went to the Plunket meeting," she recalled on Thursday.
In 1982, the young mother had no interest in moving up the ladder of the organisation which, at that stage, had about 15 sub-branches in North Otago.
But one thing led to another and once she was elected president of the Tokarahi sub-branch, she started going to North Otago branch meetings.
"That's how I got hooked," she said.
Mrs Simpson (47), who is the organisation's national vice-president, was presented with a silver award marking 25 years' service, at a special awards function in Oamaru on Thursday.
Certificates of merit and long-service awards were presented by Joyce Johnston, a life member of the North Otago branch who has been involved with Plunket for 55 years.
Lee Mitchell, a former North Otago branch president, paid tribute to Mrs Simpson's service, saying her voluntary effort and work for Plunket were an inspiration.
Mrs Simpson, who is also a life member of the branch, said she had stayed involved for so long because she had a passion for Plunket.
She had made some "fantastic" friendships.
She has been on the national board for six years.
It was a big responsibility because Plunket was now about a $50 million-a-year business.
She could attend meetings in Wellington three or four times a month.
A plea has been made for people keen to knit woollen singlets and hats for Plunket nurses and midwives to distribute to parents of newborns in North Otago.
Anyone interested can get in touch with Nicola Newlands on (03) 439-5535.
