Born in Hamilton but moved to Gisborne at age two. Educated in Gisborne (Te Wharau School, Ilminster Intermediate and Lytton High School) followed by a BMS at Waikato University.  Barbara commenced employment with KPMG Peat Marwick in Tauranga in 1986 gaining experience in auditing. This time included a two-month secondment to Melbourne, Australia and a three-month secondment to Philadelphia, USA.  Barbara travelled to the UK for overseas experience, gaining more audit experience but travelled quite a bit.

On her return to New Zealand, Barbara worked as a School Auditor for one year before moving to the commercial world for five years; two years as an Internal Auditor with New Zealand Insurance and three years as a Financial Accountant with Lowe Walker NZ Ltd.