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Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie – Inducted 2023
Tuesday, 31 October 2023
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Marsden Years: 2014 – 2018 (Year 9-13) This award recognises Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie’s contribution to and success in the performing arts on the global stage. Thomasin became a well-known actress before she had even left school. She came from a theatre and film background, but she has worked hard to carve her own path, choosing roles that shine a light on issues that are important to her. One of her early roles, when just thirteen, was the young lead in “Consent, the Story of Louise Nicholas”. Although Thomasin’s love of animals tempted her in other directions, acting won as her career choice, and by sixteen she had her first major international screen role in the American feature film, "Leave No Trace". But her studies and leadership were not put aside, and she achieved in both, as the co-student head of Marsden Primary. Since leaving Marsden, Thomasin’s face and name are now recognised world-wide. The variety of roles she has played is as long as the list of awards worthy of her talent and character. Thomasin is a deep thinker and is known for carefully researching each role. Her philosophy is that acting is not “faking it”, but “being” — and the authenticity of her performances is often remarked upon. Life balance, global issues and humanitarian initiatives are important to Thomasin. She is an ambassador for So they Can, founded by fellow Marsden graduate Cass Treadwell. Well-known in the Marsden community, Cass's non-profit organisation seeks to empower materially-poor people in Kenya and Tanzania through education.1 Thomasin’s success brings opportunities for public speaking, and here her humility and global awareness shows. She recognises with gratitude the support of those who have helped her along her pathway, including her high school. Being part of an acting family is only a tiny part of that journey, hard work and tenacity have also been key. "Success has given me great privilege and influence, and I'd be remiss not to use that power for good," she says.2 1 https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/celebrity/celeb-news/thomasin-mckenzies-on-a-mission-47014 (17/9/2023) 2 ibid |