The Right Honourable Sir Thomas Mackenzie GCMG |
|
---|---|
18th Prime Minister of New Zealand | |
In office 28 March 1912 – 10 July 1912 |
|
Monarch | George V |
Governor | John Dickson-Poynder |
Preceded by | Joseph Ward |
Succeeded by | William Massey |
Constituency | Egmont |
Personal details | |
Born |
Edinburgh, Scotland |
10 March 1853
Died | 14 February 1930 Dunedin, New Zealand |
(aged 76)
Political party | Liberal |
Spouse(s) | Ida Henrietta Nantes |
Children | 7 |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Sir Thomas Mackenzie GCMG (10 March 1853 – 14 February 1930) was a Scottish-born New Zealand politician and explorer who briefly served as the 18th Prime Minister of New Zealand in 1912, and later served as New Zealand High Commissioner in London.
Mackenzie was born in Edinburgh. His family emigrated to New Zealand in 1858 when he was four and Mackenzie was educated at Green Island School and at the Stone School, both in Dunedin. He tried his hand at surveying, farming and commerce.
Mackenzie was elected to the New Zealand Parliament for Clutha in 1887. He resigned in 1896 to assess the British markets for New Zealand products and remained in his native land for three years. On his return to New Zealand he was elected to Parliament successively for Waihemo 1900–1902, Waikouaiti 1902–1908, Taieri 1908–1911 and Egmont (in the North Island) 1911–1912, never losing an election.