Meet David

What attracted you to working at the Navy Museum?
That has a long and tortured back story. Through one of my roles in the Navy, I gained a recognition of the important role the Museum played in being the guardian of the Navy’s heritage and I realised that the Museum of 15 years ago, wasn’t living up to that important responsibility. I quickly realised there was no point in complaining, if I wasn’t prepared to do something about it.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Working with an amazing team of committed professionals that go above and beyond every day for the benefit of the Museum, the Navy our visitors and our communities. I also want to give a shout out to the Museum Board who willingly and voluntarily give their time, energy and commitment to the Museum – we would not be where we are now without their contribution.

What do you enjoy least?
Having a huge ambition for the Museum but not always being able to see the track to get there.

Name the most unexpected fact you have learnt since taking up your role at the Museum
Just about every day I find out something new and unexpected, but overall I think the most surprising thing was just how rich the navy story is, how much the navy has contributed to New Zealand and the extent of the commitment, courage, service and sacrifice of our navy personnel past and present.

Name your favourite object in the Museum and explain why you chose it.
The Veronica cap tally. The Veronica Cap tally represents an incredible human story of a new life beginning during the devastation of a natural disaster that was the Napier Earthquake,

What’s the most memorable thing you have done since being at the Museum?
I have been very fortunate to have had too many memorable experiences in the Museum to be able to choose any one thing. The really great thing about being part of the Museum is that the most memorable moment is probably yet to come.

Name the funniest moment since you joined the Museum?
Again it is very difficult to choose any one moment – there have been so many of them, mostly and justifiably at my expense.

How do you enjoy spending your time outside work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and in particular my three wonderful granddaughters. I like to do lots of exercise (probably too much for my old body), gardening, watercolour painting, E biking, fishing, spending time at the beach. I would also like to say playing golf – but that eludes me because I am so bad at it.