Sir Roy McKenzie, one of New Zealand’s leading philanthropists, died at his Lowry Bay home on 1 September 2007. 

Sir Roy followed in the footsteps of his father Sir John McKenzie, running and expanding both the McKenzies department store chain and the J R McKenzie Trust.  He set up a number of other grantmaking organisations that assisted community groups and disadvantaged people: the McKenzie Education Foundation, the Roy McKenzie Foundation, the Deaf Decade Trust.  In addition he supported many causes through “back pocket philanthropy”. 

Sir Roy himself did not warm to the label philanthropist: “I like to think of myself as more of a community volunteer”.  Although his total donations amount to between $50-100 million, he is as much loved for his personal involvement and inspiration – the handwritten letters of encouragement, the advice for developing organisations, the mentoring of talented individuals, his inspiration and generosity of spirit.

He acknowledged the personal rewards he gained from his “community volunteering”.  One of his favourite quotes was from Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give”.

Sir Roy and his wife Shirley have three children and nine grandchildren.  Their children have all been active in philanthropic activities; John is currently Chair of the J R McKenzie Trust.

Click here for more about Sir Roy's many contributions to New Zealand society.