Your 2023 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau is Sir Mark Dunajtschik.
Mark, a holocaust survivor from the former Yugoslavia, has called New Zealand home for more than 60 years.
After accepting his award in front of over a thousand guests last night at the Cordis Auckland, Mark humbly said “I just want to say to Ryman Healthcare and all the other judges and people, I feel very happy and proud the community appreciates my contribution. Thank you.”
A successful businessman and property developer, he's celebrated for philanthropy in his beloved Wellington. A true pioneer of kindness, generosity, and support.
Some of his achievements include:
● Setting up the air rescue service with the late Sir Peter Button.
● Helping fund Wellington’s Children’s Hospital Te Wao Nui.
● Contributing towards a new mental health centre at Hutt Hospital.
Mark can be modest about his contributions but was extremely honoured to have picked up the top prize. “I’ve been knighted and now this, I don’t look for accolades I do it because I want to do it.
He and his life and business partner of fifty years, Dorothy Spotswood, live a very simple life in Oriental Bay. They like sport (particularly tennis), and both enjoy walking. They’re drawn to helping people who find themselves in an unfortunate position, not of their own making. This is what drives their generosity.
Ryman Healthcare has sponsored Senior New Zealander of the Year since 2019 and many of our values are reflected in Mark’s attitude towards his own generation. Mark has made a substantial contribution to New Zealand throughout his life, touching countless people and organizations. A senior trailblazer who has set a path for future generations to follow. People like Mark who make that lasting difference in the lives of others is why Ryman is proud to continue our association with this coveted award. Celebrating those who challenge the stereotypes of aging.
Mark is happy to still be productive in his 80’s, probably because his sister once told him “there’s nothing worse than waking up and you’ve got nothing to do for the rest of the day.”
He has chosen to give back to the community rather than accrue his wealth. If you asked how much he has given away over his lifetime, he probably couldn’t tell you.
There’s no slowing down either, right now he’s earthquake-proofing his Asteron Centre building in Wellington and then it's onto the next thing. Mark follows the simple rule, that it’s better to give while you can because you can’t take it with you.
For him, it’s not about writing the cheque, it’s starting a project and seeing it through to completion.
Through his work and generous philanthropy, this is now the legacy of your 2023 Senior New Zealander of the Year, Mark Dunajtschik.
