24 February, 2016
PRESS RELEASE

Unitec Institute of Technology
Department of Performing and Screen Arts

Unitec offers condolences to Hawthorne family

Unitec was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of New Zealand actor Sophia Hawthorne last week. She was a graduate of Unitec’s Early Childhood Teaching degree in 2014. Her younger sister Emmeline also holds a degree in Social Practice from Unitec.

Both her parents have taught extensively at Unitec within the Department of Performing and Screen Arts. Her father Raymond designed and taught the original Writing and Directing module and Elizabeth is still a core staff member teaching Acting Technique and Text Analysis on the Acting degree.

“The family have spoken to me of the genuine feeling of regard and gratitude they hold for our institution. In particular they have spoken of the mana of the staff at Unitec marae, and the way in which Unitec aspires to integrate Maoritanga principles and approaches to teaching and learning, and they express their gratitude for the support and aroha being shown to them at this time,” says family friend and Unitec Senior Lecturer in Acting, John Davies.

Sophia performed onstage in plays including Cabaret, Closer, Romeo and Juliet, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Duchess of Malfi. But her breakthrough onscreen was playing the role of Leesa Savage in Savage Honeymoon and starring in When Love Comes.

Hawthorne performed as Miss Adelaide in Auckland Stage Production Guys and Dolls directed by her father in October last year. Before that she was involved with Ben Macdonald's national tour of The Pirates of Penzance. Hawthorne was nominated twice for Best Actress in a TV Drama for her role as Julie in the Gibson Group series Insider's Guide to Happiness.

Unitec offers it sincerest condolences to the Hawthorne family at this time.

Sophia’s funeral is being held today in Auckland.

ENDS

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