Media Release
For Immediate Release

3 September 2007

Tribute to an Extraordinary New Zealander

Organisations in the Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector today farewelled Sir Roy McKenzie as one of New Zealand’s most significant philanthropists.

Sir Roy McKenzie, one of New Zealand's most prolific philanthropists, died in Wellington, aged 84, at the weekend.

Funding Information Service General Manager Kevin Haunui said Sir Roy’s legacy would continue to shape New Zealand’s future.

“Sir Roy lived by the mantra - Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can," he said.

Sir Roy was the son of Sir John McKenzie, founder of the McKenzie's chain stores and the JR McKenzie Trust, which has handed out grants totalling more than $55 million since 1940.

New Zealand Council of Social Services executive officer Ros Rice said Sir Roy combined an entrepreneurial spirit with a deep commitment to building stronger communities.

“Sir Roy supported a huge number of organisations through his grantmaking and his leadership – often seed funding projects and organisations that were unpopular or ahead of their time.”

Volunteering New Zealand executive director Tim Burns said Sir Roy’s caring interest and passion for our community made it a better place to live.
“There are numerous examples of how his support has improved our society. He showed enormous leadership in developing and supporting organisations, such as SPELD, Outward Bound Trust, Funding Information Service Women’s Refuge, NZ Council for Educational Research, Birthright, Te Omanga Hospice, and others.

New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations’ executive director Tina Reid said Sir Roy was a remarkable leader and took his role in supporting the sector beyond funding.

“He embodied the essence of philanthropy – giving both time, leadership and funding. As a Sector organisation, knowing that someone else recognises and values what you do is often what makes the funding even more valuable. Sir Roy made connections and links between people and organisations.

“He introduced disability organisations to Outward Bound to create opportunities and pathways for disabled children and their siblings. He is also credited with bringing together SPELD and the Ministry of Education in order to create stronger working relationships for the benefit of children with learning difficulties,” she said.

Wendi Wicks of DPA, the National Assembly of People with Disabilities, said the fact that funding support was often accompanied by expressions of personal support and interest showed his deep personal interest in the outcomes of the projects and organisations he was supporting.

“Philanthropy plays a huge role in funding Sector organisations, which rely on multiple funding streams to keep delivering essential services to our communities.”

Philanthropy New Zealand executive director Robyn Scott said New Zealand will continue to benefit from Sir Roy’s generosity.

“His legacy will live on for many generations to come,” she said.

Kua tukuna ki te whenua tenei o nga totara o te wao nui a Tane
Kua wahangu te rangatira nei a Sir Roy McKenzie.
Takoto mai ra i te moenga e kore i nekehia,
Takoto mai i te moenga o te mamaeroa
Haere, haere, haere oti atu

ENDS

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