New Zealand Philanthropy $1m+ Donors
In 2011, FR&C put together a list of over 100 Australian donors (and some non-Australian donors to Australian causes) who have given over $1m. We’ve started compiling
We’ve only included people and families whose philanthropy has been mentioned in the public domain – either with a firm figure or with an estimate (we’ve put firm dollars ahead of estimates, even where it’s likely that the estimated figures are under-reported).
We’ve provided links to the sources we’ve used for each gift. We’ve drawn on previous published lists and added a lot of information from our Giftsearch database and our own research. We continue to revise the list over time – if you have a suggestion for an update, email us.
Known giving and pledges over $50m
- Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dame Dorothy Spotswood – total recorded philanthropy of over $100m. In 2015, committed $50m towards the establishment of Wellington's Te Wao Nui children's hospital, the largest single philanthropic commitment to a children's hospital in New Zealand's history. In 2022, committed a further $40–50m towards a new mental health unit at Hutt Valley Hospital. Sir Mark also gave $10m to Victoria University of Wellington to establish a Mechanical Engineering programme (2023).
- George Mason Charitable Trust – $25m across four New Zealand universities (2026): $10m to the University of Auckland to advance scholarly research in the natural environment and biological sciences; $5m to Massey University for postgraduate scholarships and PhD research in biological sciences; $5m to the University of Waikato for scholarships and environmental research; and $5m to Victoria University of Wellington for scholarships and environmental stewardship.
- Graeme and Robyn Hart – $10m to the University of Auckland and $10m to the University of Otago, both in 2018, to support the establishment of new dental schools at each university. Total giving of $20m.
- Hugh Green Foundation – $16.5m to the University of Auckland (2019) to fund the Hugh Green Biobank in perpetuity and establish a new Chair in Translational Neuroscience.
- Liangren Li – $10.9m to the University of Auckland (2015) to support cancer research.
- Liz Grieve – $10m to the Child Poverty Trust to cover operating costs of Share My Super (2023), a programme encouraging retirees to share their superannuation with families experiencing poverty.
- Wright Family Foundation – $10m to the University of Waikato (2025) to support a marine research and education facility at Sulphur Point, Tauranga.
- Julian Robertson – $6.8m to the University of Auckland (2016) to support medtech and neuroscience research as part of the For All Our Futures campaign. $5m to the Christchurch earthquake relief fund (2011) to support earthquake recovery.
- Li Ka-Shing Foundation – $5m to the University of Auckland (2016) to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and education, including a $1m matching fund to boost alumni donations.
- Sir Owen Glenn – $7.5m to the University of Auckland (2002) as the naming gift for the Owen G. Glenn Business School. See also giving of $1m to the Christchurch earthquake recovery fund and $1m to New Zealand Hockey below.
- Andrew Bagnall – $1.2m to the University of Auckland (2019) to establish the Andrew Bagnall International MBA Scholarship.
- David and Anne Norman / Farmers – $1m to the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation (2009) to support programmes for patients and their families.
- Denis and Verna Adam – $1m to Victoria University of Wellington (2022) to establish the Adam Art Gallery.
- Dr Euan Sinclair – $1m bequest of artworks to the Te Papa Foundation (2016), including works by Dalí, Warhol, and Miró, to launch the Foundation.
- Hugo Charitable Trust – $2m to the University of Auckland (2018) to support the Liggins Institute and the Auckland Bioengineering Institute.
- John and Rose Dunn – $1m to the University of Auckland (2019) to establish the John and Rose Dunn Pasifika Fund in the School of Medicine, to support Pasifika students into medical careers.
- John McCall MacBain – $1m+ to the University of Auckland (2017) to support a postgraduate scholarship programme. With UniLodge, $1m+ to the University of Canterbury (2022) to support the Te Kakau a Māui scholarship programme.
- Marylyn and John Mayo – $2m to the University of Auckland (2017) to establish the Marylyn and John Mayo Chair in Health Law and Policy.
- Sir Owen Glenn – $1m to the Christchurch earthquake recovery fund (2011) on behalf of the Glenn Family Foundation, and $1m to New Zealand Hockey (2011) to support New Zealand's hosting of the Champions Trophy. See also the $7.5m University of Auckland naming gift above.
- Rod Drury – $1m to Mana Tahuna (2020) to support the Lake Hayes environmental project.
- Sir Eion Edgar – $1m to the New Zealand Olympic Committee (2014), donated upon retirement as President of the Committee.