InAt age 88, Kiwi acting royalty Dame Kate Harcourt, is still a shining star of stage and screen. With no imminent plans for retiring, the octogenarian continues to act, and has now added modeling to her repertoire.
The actress has teamed up with fellow Wellington icon, jewellery house Partridge’s, to acknowledge their 150th year of business in grand style.
Both Harcourt and Partridge Jewellers are very proud of their New Zealand roots. Harcourt reminisces about growing up on a very large sheep station, “Amberley was very remote,” she said. “As kids, we were free to explore.”
Dame Kate feels acting has been her calling, and was the catalyst for leaving Amberley and heading to Christchurch, where she furthered her studies in singing and piano. After stints abroad at Melbourne University’s Conservatorium of Music and the Joan Cross Opera School in London, Harcourt was drawn back home to New Zealand.
The acclaimed actress is proud of the progressive nature of her country, and wholeheartedly supports a new flag, believing the time has come for a symbol that clearly recognises New Zealand’s many achievements. She notes that the Treaty of Waitangi is particularly significant.
“Well I think there needs to be more of a difference to the Australian flag as they’re almost identical,’ she said. ‘But I don’t think it should have a kiwi on it though!”
When asked about her favourite place in New Zealand, Harcourt was quick to answer she is particularly fond of the beautiful location of her home. She said, “I live by the sea, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
In the Partridge’s campaign Dame Kate showcases a selection of their recent designs – striking royal blue hues of tanzanite the esteemed jewellery house says were a perfect match with their leading lady.
The jewellery house says Dame Harcourt was the perfect choice “for paying tribute to the past, present and future’, as she ‘possesses so much beauty, grace and drive.”
