Julie MacKenzie

Profile Updated: May 16, 2022
Julie MacKenzie
Residing In: Rome Italy
Occupation: Diplomat
Children: Rafaella, born 1989
Catarina, born 1991
Yes! Attending Reunion
Comments:

American Field Service student from New Zealand.
Does anyone other than my sister, Janis Sappenfield (Kivett), remember me, eg, as the housekeeper in My Fair Lady?!

Since then: Masters in Political Science and Japanese from University of Canterbury, New Zealand; doctoral research at University of Tokyo, Japan; freelance translation/interpretation/shortwave radio/film narration work in Tokyo; diplomatic career with NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, postings in Tokyo, Brussels, Nouméa and Rome (Ambassador 2003-2007); time out as financial analyst on Tokyo stock market in early eighties until I discovered I liked dealing with people a whole lot more than dealing with money; married Gérard Sanna (French) 1987, separated 2009; early retirement from NZ diplomatic service 2009, two years contracting to UN Food & Agriculture Organisation in Rome as Climate Neutrality Advisor (totally reinvented myself!), currently contracting to UN World Food Programme in Rome, possibly moving to UNHQ New York later this year. Anyone who remembers me also living in New York? I know NO ONE there! Sport VERY important in my life: couple of marathons in my 30's, loads of swimming when in New Caledonia, currently less ambitious and sticking to tennis, gym and yoga.

Am a cultural hybrid and bring passion to everything I do. Still love to learn. Currently learning how to slow down and, in particular, to move from constantly "doing" to sometimes just "being" - and enjoying it!



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Julie MacKenzie has a birthday today.
Feb
15
Feb 15, 2024 at 4:33 AM
Julie MacKenzie posted a message. New comment added.
Feb
04
Feb 04, 2024 at 10:44 AM

Posted on: May 05, 2023 at 4:48 PM

Happy birthday Terry! I am still shuttling between Rome (where I live) and New Zealand (where I still have a sister, cousins and lots of friends), with visits to France to see my own family in between. SInging and yoga occupy much of my Roman life (unlike you, I have no grandchildren), plus there are always visitors to show around, so life is full and the days, weeks and months speed by at an alarming rate. In my view, we should introduce a moratorium on aging! Here's to a great next year to you and your loved ones.

Julie MacKenzie has a birthday today.
Feb 15, 2023 at 4:33 AM
Julie MacKenzie posted a message. New comment added.
May 16, 2022 at 6:50 PM

Posted on: May 16, 2022 at 1:21 PM

This message is in response to Terry's and others' lovely tributes for Karin. I tried to capture what Karin had meant to me, on the memorial chapel tribute wall, and I wanted to post it here as well.

- From day one, Karin made my heart sing. She charmed and befriended me when I was a 16 year old exchange student from New Zealand at Southwest High School. Memories of kazoos, cannoli and laughter live on. Years of sporadic contact later, we linked up again at the 40th class reunion and thereafter multiple times in NYC (where I also got to meet her beloved Mark and sparkling Risa). 40 years on, Karin still had that trademark warmth, energy and love of life, along with a tranquility and self-assurance that only comes with having stayed true to yourself. She exuded the fulfilment of having created a wonderful family. Karin had a huge heart and huge wisdom. She made each one of us feel special. We are all blessed to have had her in our lives. -

With the delayed 50th class reunion about to kick off, it seems timely to also share the attached photo, which was from the 40th class reunion (courtesy of the camera of my host sister, Janis Sappenfield - thanks sis!).

The thickening number of entries on the class In Memory page is sobering. Here's to celebrating all of us turning 70, therefore, and to living each day with gratitude and love.

Julie MacKenzie has a birthday today. New comment added.
Feb 15, 2022 at 5:51 PM

Posted on: Feb 15, 2022 at 4:33 AM

May 08, 2021 at 3:58 PM

Carissima Karin, I am so thankful we have managed to stay in contact all these years. Here's to celebrating the birthday of a special person who has brought laughter and love to so many.

Julie MacKenzie posted a message. New comment added.
May 06, 2021 at 7:32 AM

Posted on: May 05, 2021 at 10:52 AM

Hey there, gorgeous! Recently, I have been re-reading letters from my year at Southwest and, of course, you feature prominently :-). Wishing you a special day with all your tribe!

Julie MacKenzie has a birthday today.
Feb 15, 2021 at 4:33 AM
Julie MacKenzie posted a message. New comment added.
May 11, 2020 at 11:46 AM

Posted on: May 09, 2020 at 2:59 AM

Oh oh, I have slipped. Or the calendar has moved. Happy belated birthday, my beautiful friend with the unparalleled singing voice. This message comes to you from New Zealand, where I have found myself sitting out lockdown under COVID-19 and feeling very lucky to be here, with a sane and strong government and the solidarity of family and friends. So pleased to read that you too are experiencing some of the silver linings.There is so much in this experience to help us reflect on how we have been living. Baci

Julie MacKenzie posted a message. New comment added.
May 09, 2020 at 12:01 PM

Posted on: May 09, 2020 at 2:50 AM

Darling Karin, wishing you laughter and love on yet another birthday. Kia kaha (stay strong in Maori) in these testing times. Luv ya!

Julie MacKenzie has a birthday today.
Feb 15, 2020 at 4:35 AM
Feb 12, 2020 at 12:10 PM

Yay!

Julie MacKenzie posted a message. New comment added.
Feb 12, 2020 at 11:55 AM

Posted on: Feb 11, 2020 at 4:32 PM

Hi guys, Count me in for the 50th in September!

May 08, 2019 at 2:18 PM

Sending warmest wishes for your birthday, Karin. Wish we were going to a show together! Big hugs from Rome.

Julie MacKenzie posted a message. New comment added.
May 05, 2019 at 12:11 PM

Posted on: May 05, 2019 at 11:17 AM

Hey you, birthday time again! May it be a very happy one, surrounded by your many loved ones. xx

Julie MacKenzie has a birthday today.
Feb 15, 2019 at 4:33 AM
Julie MacKenzie added a comment on Profile.
Feb 08, 2019 at 11:22 AM
Julie MacKenzie added a comment on Profile.
Dec 17, 2018 at 10:44 AM
Jul 30, 2018 at 2:20 PM

Happy Birthday Bill! We're getting up there, aren't we?

Jul 25, 2018 at 5:40 AM

Oops, missed it! I hope you celebrated in style and had a great day, Eileen.