Meet Ann

The founder of Corelli’s cafe in Devonport Village and professional potter, Ann works as a casual Guide Host at the museum.

What attracted you to working at the Navy Museum?
Everything, but especially the closeness to home, the fascinating building, being so close to the water is beautiful and of course the lovely, friendly people.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Meeting people, working with the other museum staff and learning new things about the Navy and New Zealand history.

What do you enjoy least?

I pretty much enjoy everything!

Name the most unexpected fact you have learnt since taking up your role at the Museum.

I was interested to read about Denis Glover who I knew of as a poet but didn’t know about his naval service.

Name your favourite object in the Museum and explain why you chose it.

My favourite object is the dog collar that belonged to Pelorus Jack the bulldog mascot who served in HMS New Zealand during the First World War. It’s a very evocative object especially as Pelorus Jack’s story didn’t end too well! I also really like the map in the classroom. It’s very useful with our overseas visitors they often use it to show where they come from. The creative objects made by sailors whilst they were at sea also fascinate me, it’s great to see how they were living the reuse, repurpose ethos back in the 1940s and earlier.

What’s the most memorable thing you have done since being at the Museum?

I am fascinated by the story of Wiilliam Sanders. I feel a strong emotional connection to his story, which I find very evocative and meaningful particularly as he was a local Takapuna boy.

How do you enjoy spending your time outside work?

I’m a professional potter so spend a fair bit of time making things. I also like walking the dog, reading and cooking.