Local legend and recent Queen's Service Medal recipient Ann Somerville's family often joke her epitaph should one day read, "She didn't muck around". And it would be a fitting tribute for the now 82-year-old who helped run Rotorua Museum for 20 years.
She's steadfastly humble about her contribution and was shocked to learn of the award, so much so, she initially believed it was a scam. But Ann says she always knew accepting the job as Rotorua Museum’s Public Programmes Manager in 1990 would be life-changing.
“I was given an opportunity and I just had to grab the ball and run with it. I knew this was my chance,” recalls Ann, who at the time was 50 and a solo mother-of-four working five jobs to make ends meet.
“I had no formal qualifications but I was lucky enough to get this job. It was a lifesaver that opened up a whole new world for my family and financially it made such a difference.”
Ann initially faced some questions about her selection for the job, but it only fuelled her to prove how capable she was.
“I remember someone asking, ‘You? You?’ and I just thought, ‘I’ll show them!’”
And over two decades, Ann proved herself time and again, helping transform the small, local museum into a national treasure with progressive exhibits that garnered plenty of attention.
This story is from the September 5, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 5, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills