Sir Roy McKenzie

Following in his father’s footsteps, Sir Roy McKenzie was distinguished for his efforts and contributions to the community, especially with his "hands-on" attitude.  He was very helpful to many organisations as they became established.

Born in 1922, Roy attended Timaru Boys High School and Otago University, where he studied accountancy.  During the Second World War he served in the RNZAF and the RAF. 

In 1948 Sir Roy married Shirley Howard.  Sir Roy and Lady McKenzie have three children - Peter, John, and Robyn - and nine grandchildren.

In the same year he was registered as an Associate Chartered Accountant and commenced work for McKenzies (NZ) Ltd.  From 1949 to 1970 he was the Executive Director.  He also held a number of company directorships. 

Sir Roy’s contribution to philanthropy in New Zealand has been immense.  He was on the J R McKenzie Trust Board from 1947-93, and chaired it for 17 years; in addition he substantially increased the Trust’s assets.  He also set up two other grant making bodies – the McKenzie Education Foundation and the Roy McKenzie Foundation, both of which were renowned for their innovative approaches to supporting community endeavour.  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.

Sir Roy was prominent in developing and supporting many organisations, including Outward Bound Trust, NZ Council for Educational Research, Birthright, Te Omanga Hospice, and others.

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”.

In his busy life Sir Roy also found the time for the recreational pursuits of skiing, photography, tennis, tramping, harness racing and breeding.   He was an active Rotarian.  He received many awards in recognition of his contributions, including the Order of New Zealand, Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Honorary Doctor of Literature at Massey University, and Honorary Doctor of Commerce at Victoria University.

In 1998 Sir Roy published his memoirs, entitled "Footprints - Harnessing an inheritance into a legacy". In 2004 a film was made about his life - "Giving it all away".  If you would like to order the book and/or the DVD, contact the office.   A clip of this film is available on the internet - click here. 

Click here to view a 7 minute article about Sir Roy made by Television New Zealand in 2006.

Sir Roy died in September 2007. 

Peter McKenzie

All of Roy and Shirley’s children have served on McKenzie family philanthropic bodies, as has daughter-in-law Ruth McKenzie.  John is currently Chair of the J R McKenzie Trust Board. 

Peter McKenzie helped established the Nga Manu Trust, a bush and wetland reserve and bird sanctuary in Waikanae.  He is also involved in the investment bodies that generate J R McKenzie Trust's income - as Deputy Chair of Rangatira Limited and Chair of the Jayar Charitable Trust.