A labour of love

For Karen McLeod caring for the oldest merchant ship in the world is a labour of love. Almost every visitor to the Picton-based ship, for more than ten years, has been greeted by Karen, who always ensures a warm welcome for all.

It is a privilege to be part of something so special, she says.

“I often say to people if you had told me I was going to be the manager of a maritime museum and be this passionate and enthusiastic about it I would not have believed you.

“I started off on reception, as manager for the Edwin Fox Society and I quickly realised what a secret heritage treasure we had here in Picton and went about ensuring more people heard about it.”

The visitor attraction is a popular draw for tourists and locals alike, with pre-pandemic visitor numbers reaching 13,000 a year.

Karen knows the history of the ship better than most and is dedicated to helping people understand why preservation of the ship is so vital.

“I believe the Edwin Fox is not only an important part of New Zealand history but world history - from the tea and beer trade between India and England, convicts, immigrants, troop carrying, the list goes on... “Over my ten years I have come across a lot of misinformation, and I have tried to change the minds of anyone that thought the ship was not worthy of saving.”

For Karen, being one of the Edwin Fox’s most dedicated advocates has brought her great joy. Seeing the ship pride of place at the Picton Marina and knowing she has played a major part in it’s preservation bring tremendous pride.

Proud