3 SEPTEMBER 2007

Sir Roy Leaves Extraordinary Legacy

Women’s Refuge says the death of Sir Roy McKenzie marks the passing of a truly great New Zealander, who has touched the lives of many through his humanity and enormous generosity.

The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, Heather Henare, says Sir Roy’s support in the early days of Refuge, and ever since, has been vital.

“Refuge has been going for 33 years now, and the support of Sir Roy in those initial stages was key to us being able to really establish ourselves and begin to grow.”

“The support of Sir Roy was visionary at a time when little was known or understood about domestic violence.”

“He not only came forward with funding to help get us on our feet, but gave us much more than had been asked for or hoped for.”

Ms Henare says ongoing funding from Sir Roy’s charitable trusts has been a huge help for Refuge over many years in assisting thousands of women and children experiencing violence in their lives.

“Sir Roy’s compassion and caring for other people, in his support not only of Refuge but a whole range of community groups, has been enormous and he leaves an extraordinary legacy.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media