Ann Pacey

Ann Tarleton (11 August 1941 - 19 January 2024) was a Wellington based jazz singer professionally known as Ann Pacey. Pacey entertained Vietnam War personnel with her band the Māori Ambassadors from 20 December 1968 to 25 March 1969.

Early life Pacey was born in the United Kingdom before arriving by boat to New Zealand. She attended Wellington Technical College and after leaving school, she worked as a copywriter for The Evening Post.

Vietnam War The Māori Ambassadors, including Pacey, were recruited from the gig circuit in Australia and flew into Saigon (now Ho Chi Min City) in December 1968. The band immediately began work, performing two to three shows a day at Củ Chi Base in southern Vietnam.

When asked about what inspired her to join the war effort in Vietnam, Pacey stated that, “My mother had served in World War II and, although I didn't really know what to expect, I thought if it was good enough for her, it was good enough for me."

Pacey and the band were also subject to the same threats as military personnel. Pacey recalled returning to her villa after being away and finding a bullet hole in the wall by her bed where her head would have been. They were also told to watch out for bombs which were reportedly in rat traps around the camp. She also starred in the music show Rock around the Clock, played a milk bar owner in the TV series Peppermint Twist, and a cabinet minister in Pioneer Women. Pacey also organised casting for many adverts.

Accomplishments On 20 October 2016, at the age of 75, Ann Pacey represented her band at a Defence Force ceremony in Wellington to be recognised for her tour of duty. This was only the second time New Zealand had recognised wartime entertainers with medals.