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.