I’m Anne Batley Burton aka the Champagne Lady and Pussy Cat Lady as seen on 'Real Housewives of Auckland’.
I’m an importer of Champagne Jacquart and Montaudon and I also import empty wine barrels, which I sell to New Zealand wine makers.
My main passion in life is looking after stray and abandoned cats. Twelve years ago, I founded The New Zealand Cat Foundation, a registered charity where we care for around 400 cats at any one time. All are de-sexed, vaccinated and microchipped, at which point they are re-homed or live out the rest of their lives well-cared for in our large indoor/outdoor, predator-proof sanctuary. We need to desex, microchip and care for all cats in our community in an effort to reduce the stray cat population in a humane fashion.
I’m also very excited to be standing for The Waitematā Local Board with C&R. Something new for me but as a community minded person I really want to offer my services to help get our city back on track!
How did you get into looking after cats? Do you have any other pets?
You could blame my father for getting me involved with stray cats. We’ve always had cats as children and right through our lives, but as a child when Dad had the factories in New Lynn, he used to arrange the de-sexing and then feeding and care of all the strays in the vicinity of the factories.
Later on, I answered an advertisement to volunteer at The Rose Garden Cats (which I call The Parnell Pussies) and it was to join a group of volunteers to feed them on a daily basis and trap the cats – which people continually seem to dump down in that area – to prevent them breeding. I became concerned about the fate of these cats as they became older. When my mother passed away, I decided to buy another property of 12 acres in Huapai where I could set up a sanctuary, a Pensioner Pussy Palace, for the elderly stray cats. It was supposed to have a maximum of 25 cats but as I always say, “One pussy followed another.” Twelve years on, we have had many hundreds of cats through the sanctuary which has expanded dramatically.
Regarding my own pets, they too are all rescues. I treat all the cats as my own. However, we do have only three in Parnell and then we have in the house up at Goose Creek about six permanent residents because of health issues. Others that pop in and out as they please and I do consider them to be more personal cats rather than the sanctuary cats.
How are things going right now?
Things are pretty difficult at present with the economy not in such a good state. Fewer people are drinking Champagne and the wine industry is having difficulties with changing drinking habits. As far as the cat situation is concerned, we are having more and more people surrendering or abandoning their cats and kittens, creating a huge influx into the sanctuary and other rescue organisations.
Councils need to step up and work in conjunction with us to educate the community to take responsibility for their own cats and should give grants for free de-sexing and microchips.
It is the only way we can humanely decrease the stray cat population. Times are tough and we need donations and volunteers to help us continue the valuable service we offer to the community.
Who is your partner? What do they do?
My partner is Richard Burton. He’s been a share broker and investment advisor for many years. Although recently retired from Forsyth Barr, he is still working on other ventures.
Your best friend would say of you...
My best friend May tells me my best qualities are I’m very kind and supportive. Always very positive and I’m great at giving parties and always fun to be with!
Your mother would say of you…
My mother always said I’m a person who will never grow old. I always take life in my stride. My wonderful attitude cheers those around me and helps keep me youthful inside. I find so much pleasure in so many things and am always willing to try something new. Mum said I’m one of those people who others admire and she was so glad I am her daughter.
You’ve got a day off – how do you spend it?
When I have a day off, I like to spend it out at our Goose Creek property. We built a bar in honour of my father called Bert Batley’s Bentley bar, utilising the red leather seats of his old Bentley which burst into flames. We put a swimming pool beside it. It’s a gorgeous little oasis with memorabilia associated with my dad and the Bentley. It’s so peaceful with all the birds singing, the geese and the ducks, then later on we put some music on and have gorgeous lighting effects. Glass of Jacquart in hand under the stars. Very relaxing.
Virtues?
What are my virtues? I’m a very kind person with huge empathy for others whether humans or animals. I have a particular passion for looking after animals, mainly cats, but I love all animals and I’m a person who wants to make a difference in life with things that I care about. I put all my efforts and enthusiasm into trying to achieve that perseverance. In other words, I’m hard working and I don’t give up.
Vices?
When I’m having fun, listening to some great music and drinking a few glasses of Champagne, I just never want to go to bed.
Who's your ultimate rock icon?
I love Bruce Springsteen and I also love Jimmy Buffett and his Margaritaville thoughts on life when people are getting older and want to stay young and have fun and enjoy it right to the end.
Favourite actor?
George Clooney now but Clint Eastwood when I was younger.
Secret passion?
If I told you, it wouldn’t be secret.
What's your secret talent?
Acting! I can play the part of Scarlett O’Hara to a tee and in fact was chosen by the publishers of ‘Scarlett’ – the sequel to ‘Gone With The Wind’ to act the part of Scarlett for the book launch. It was such fun being on the radio, TV, doing book signings, and being driven around in a horse drawn carriage up and down Queen Street. I didn’t need to act, just changed the accent!
Where do you spend your holidays?
I have spent my holidays for many years now in France. I bought a house over there 26 years ago in the South of France. Unfortunately, I’m wondering if I’m going to get there this year having just broken my shoulder.
What's your perfect Sunday?
A perfect Sunday is spent going out for a lovely lunch to a beautiful restaurant hopefully with sunshine or going out on our boat.
What were you going to be when you grew up?
I always said when I grow up I’m going to run my daddy‘s business and actually that’s basically what I did although when we went public, those plans were changed.
Favourite local cafe?
My favourite local café in Parnell is Brighton Rd Café and it’s just across the road.
Favourite local restaurant?
Favourite local restaurant would be NSP but if I’m in Ponsonby, which is on a very regular basis, we just adore Prego. All the wonderful staff, including darling Lindsay, are just amazing and make us feel so welcome.
Your best kept Ponsonby/Grey Lynn secret?
It used to be Herne Bay Local but now Jervois Rd Wine Bar and Kitchen! Love the live music. I also enjoy Bare wine bar in Brown Street.
Your desert island distractions?
Fabulous music and Champagne Jacquart.
The house is on fire and your family is safe – what do you save?
The cats of course but then they are my family so after that, I’ll save the jewellery.
I'd be lost without my...
Cats.
One thing you have learned about life is...
“Whatever the struggle, continue the climb, you may be only one step to the summit.”
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