Sir Mark Dunajtschik KNZM
Senior New Zealander of the Year
2023
Ryman Healthcare
Senior New Zealander of the Year
Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau
Sir Mark Dunajtschik KNZM
Born in Yugoslavia but of German ethnicity, Sir Mark Dunajtschik KNZM spent three years in a Yugoslav concentration camp during WWII before escaping with his mother and becoming a refugee in Germany. He eventually arrived in New Zealand, where decades later he is considered one of our nation′s most significant philanthropists − pouring his time, energy and resources into a diverse range of causes. In 2022 − along with his life and business partner, Dorothy Spotswood − Dunajtschik has once again channelled his success back into the community, with a recent commitment to donating $40 million-$50 million towards a new acute mental health unit at Hutt Hospital (following a $50m donation to build a new children′s hospital in 2017). Among his many endeavours, his financial support enabled Wellington helicopter pilot, the late Peter Button, to set up an air rescue service, now called the Life Flight Trust, which has been credited with saving 22,000 lives.
This award honours New Zealanders aged 70+ who continue to shape Aotearoa through wisdom, action, and care. Far from winding down, they are still building legacies – using their experience to lead, serve, and make lasting impact.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be over the age of 70, at the open of nominations in July.
- Have had significant impact in their senior years.
- Be a role model for New Zealanders and highlight that change is possible at any age.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:
- 10 points: OVERALL INSPIRATION:
Describe the person you are nominating and what they’ve done later in life to inspire you to nominate them as the Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau. - 10 points: PURPOSE:
Who benefits from the work, contribution, or influence of this person – and how? - 10 points: LEADERSHIP & SERVICE:
How does this person set a positive example of being a senior member of the community – showing potential for making change at any age. - 10 points: COMMITMENT:
Describe the commitment of time, risks, and challenges overcome to create an impact to this point (this may still be ongoing). What have they done that has gone above and beyond following their career, achievements, or service to create change and give back? - 10 points: PROVEN IMPACT:
How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their area of influence, particularly during their senior years? How has this been measured? - 10 points: LEGACY
How would winning this award impact this person’s legacy and their mahi (past or present)?
2025
Finalists
Previous
winners
Championing
Senior New Zealander of the Year
Cheyne Chalmers
CEO, NZ Ryman Healthcare
“We’re absolutely delighted to support the Senior New Zealander of the Year Award. We know there are thousands of older Kiwis who never retire, and continue to make a massive contribution to their communities and New Zealand as a whole. We think this Award is an excellent way of recognising how much they give back.”
