Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dame Dorothy Spotswood
New Zealand Legacy Award
2025
Fisher Funds
New Zealand Legacy Award
Te Pou Tūroa o Aotearoa New Zealand
Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dame Dorothy Spotswood
Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dame Dorothy Spotswood are visionary philanthropists whose generosity has transformed healthcare, education, and community well-being in Wellington and beyond. Committed to making a lasting impact, they have jointly funded projects that address critical needs, most notably their $50 million donation to establish the Wellington Children’s Hospital. This state-of-the-art facility, opened in 2021, provides specialised care to young patients across New Zealand, fulfilling a longstanding need for advanced paediatric healthcare in the region. Beyond health, Mark and Dorothy’s philanthropy extends to supporting mental health services, medical research, and facilities for adults with disabilities.
Together, they’ve championed countless initiatives focused on improving quality of life, often prioritising projects that would otherwise struggle for funding. Known for their humility and hands-on approach, Mark and Dorothy’s dedication continues to inspire others and uplift communities, leaving a profound legacy of compassion and support for future generations across Aotearoa.
This award recognises a lifetime of outstanding contribution. These individuals have shaped Aotearoa through decades of dedicated mahi, leaving a legacy of leadership, influence and progress that defines who we are – and who we aspire to be.
This award stands apart. It is not open for public nomination – the recipient is chosen at the Judges’ discretion from the pool of Semi-Finalists across all seven award categories.
How this award is determined
At Executive Judging Day, the panel identifies Semi-Finalists they believe should be considered for this award. Judges are invited to advocate for those individuals. A recipient is selected through panel deliberation, with a vote used only if consensus cannot be reached.
Judging Considerations
Rather than a scoring matrix, judges are guided by the following when deliberating and advocating for a Legacy Award recipient:
- LIFETIME OF CONTRIBUTION
Has this person demonstrated a sustained, multi-decade commitment to their field, community, or cause? The Legacy Award is not for a single achievement – it honours a body of mahi that has evolved, deepened, and endured. - NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
Has their contribution shaped Aotearoa at a national level – influencing culture, policy, industry, or identity in ways that extend beyond a single community or sector? - LEADERSHIP AND INFLUENCE
Have they inspired, mentored, or created pathways for others? Has their leadership generated a ripple effect – lifting up people, movements, or institutions that continue to grow today? - ENDURING LEGACY
What lasting impact has their work had on New Zealand? Are the changes they created embedded in our communities, institutions, attitudes, or systems in ways that will outlive them? - EMBODIMENT OF AOTEAROA
Do they reflect the values and spirit of who we are as a nation — and who we aspire to be?
