When Tomoki Vincent reflects on his time at Albany Senior High School (ASHS), one word stands out: transformative. Now the Digital Marketing Coordinator for Auckland Live at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Tomoki’s creative path is rooted in the experiences, mentors, and opportunities he encountered during his time at ASHS.
From Ensemble to Empowered
Starting ASHS as a self-described shy and insecure Year 11 student, Tomoki was cast in the ensemble of My Fair Lady – an experience that quickly changed his trajectory. “Very quickly, I developed a sense of community and strong friendships that I still hold close to my heart today,” he says. Each subsequent production, from As You Like It to Much Ado About Nothing, helped him find not just his voice, but also his passion. “I think I really found myself in that theatre… it made me find the love for myself which I never had.”
This sense of belonging evolved into a desire to give back and grow. In 2019, Tomoki’s Impact Projects focused on promoting the school’s Shakespeare production and musical through social media – a project that helped him discover a career path in marketing. “Impact Projects helped me understand that this was the direction I wanted my life to go… a career that would be fulfilling for me.”
Turning Passion Into Profession
After graduating in 2019, Tomoki studied a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland, double majoring in Communication and Gender Studies. “Communication was for the career field I wanted to go into, and Gender Studies was out of pure interest,” he explains. During university, he also began working at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited as an Event Services Attendant, stepping up into leadership roles, supporting events like the Best Foods Comedy Gala, the 8th World Conference of Women and Sport, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Draw.
Post-study, a fixed-term contract in the marketing team at Auckland Conventions, Venues & Events gave Tomoki a foot in the door, leading to his current role with Auckland Live. Now, he helps promote thousands of events at iconic venues like The Civic, Aotea Centre, and the Auckland Town Hall including the recent season of SIX the Musical.
A School Like No Other
Tomoki credits ASHS with preparing him for the fast-paced, ever-changing Marketing industry. “ASHS is a playground for young adults who are driven for their futures,” he says. “You’re given the resources to support you, but you work in a way that works for you. It set me up for a constantly evolving industry where information develops quickly.”
Crucial to his path were the educators who believed in him. He fondly recalls teachers like Trevor Sharp and Naomi Webster, who welcomed him into the Performing Arts department and helped him find a sense of belonging. He also credits Sally for recognising his creative potential early on and guiding him toward opportunities that aligned with his passions. “She assured me that this school recognises creative students and the creative industries,” he says.
No Regrets, Just Gratitude
Today, when people ask if he’d go back to ASHS, Tomoki doesn’t hesitate: “Yes, in a heartbeat.” For him, it was more than just a school – it was a launchpad. “ASHS is a great place to study and prove yourself to yourself and set you up for the future,” he says. “It is the best option for a quality education on what the young people of today really need.”
