The building blocks of a philanthropic legacy.
For the next chapter of Sir Mark Dunajtschik’s giving, Nikau Foundation was a safe pair of hands.
“I am a property developer, not a fashion model,” laughs Sir Mark Dunajtschik, as he poses for photos in the foyer of Wellington’s Asteron Building. They’re not the first photos he’s had taken this month. A feature ran on him in January following his appointment to the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to philanthropy, and more recently, he was featured in the news after being named as 2023’s Ryman Healthcare Senior of the Year Te Matapuputu o te Tau for his work funding Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital Te Wao Nui.
These latest photos will be used to represent another, final chapter of his philanthropic career; telling the story of a legacy of which Nikau Foundation will be the guardian when he eventually goes, and one of New Zealand’s most significant bequests.
Dorothy Spotswood (L) and Sir Mark Dunajtschik (R).
A practical choice
Although formally announced in May 2023, the story of this significant bequest started many years before. As he entered his 80s, Mark had started to think about his estate. Namely, what would happen to it when he passed. Having made his fortune in Wellington and spent the majority of his life here, he wanted to make sure his money continued to benefit the region long into the future.
Reflective of Mark’s sensibility and emblematically pragmatic approach, the decision to work alongside a community foundation was rooted in practicality. “I believe that the maximum benefit of a single substantial donation can be achieved by utilising a foundation which is established in perpetuity,” says Sir Mark. He calls this a ‘wholesale’ donation; a transaction that increases its value when passed on to the end beneficiary.
“The last thing I wanted was to donate the money and for it to be spent down in a few years,” says Mark. “It had to have staying power.”
By this stage, he had been following Nikau’s movements for several years. “From the very very early days,” he laughs. He, and his life and business partner, Dorothy Spotswood, were highly supportive of the community foundations model, acknowledging its practicality and ability to deliver long-term impact.
“Nikau understands that our communities require long-term, sustainable support and resources,” says Nikau Foundation Executive Director, Emma Lewis. “That’s why we invest and grow the gifts we receive, however big or small, to create positive change for our region today, tomorrow and long into the future.”
This intergenerational model resonated with Mark. His philanthropic projects including Te Wao Nui; the region’s state-of-the-art children’s hospital, the construction of the Michael Fowler Centre and the new engineering department at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington were all future focused; designed to deliver life-saving care to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to stage great productions to shape the cultural fabric of our region, and to encourage the next generation of city builders.
"Working alongside Nikau Foundation made sense,” says Mark. “The community foundations model means that the Foundation will continue to make an impact, forever.”
An existing infrastructure
To Mark, tapping into Nikau’s infrastructure and expertise also made sense. It had an established volunteer board, existing grant-making functions, local knowledge and a robust corporate trustee offering, having operated in a similar capacity for The Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation for a number of years.
“There was no need to reinvent the wheel,” says Mark, “Nikau already had the experience, connections and know-how needed to continue giving back in the way I wanted.”
Nikau Foundation was appointed as the sole trustee in December 2020. Once operational, Nikau will work behind the scenes to provide governance, oversee its investments and drive impactful grant-making in line with Mark and Dorothy’s wishes.
Developing a vision
The wheels now in motion, the process for creating this lasting legacy was much like building a development. It required a vision, a blueprint, a project plan, strong foundations to build from and sound infrastructure to ensure it supported the community in line with Sir Mark’s goals.
“Our first conversations with Sir Mark and Dorothy were focused on their vision,” says Nikau Foundation Executive Director, Emma Lewis. “We really wanted to understand their aspirations for giving and the part the Foundation would play in creating these outcomes for our communities.”
Consistent with many of Sir Mark’s philanthropic endeavours to date and causes that are close to his and Dorothy’s hearts, the Foundation will focus on delivering practical support to people living with intellectual and physical disabilities.
“My philosophy is that people are blessed with a sound mind and body can look after themselves, but those born with or suffering illness and disability need our support,” says Sir Mark.
This is the next chapter of Sir Mark Dunajtschik’s philanthropic legacy; a powerful, practical way to give back to our communities, forever.
