Dunstan Hospital Foundation

13/07/2026

Today, we join countless people across New Zealand and around the world in mourning the passing of our Patron, Sir Sam Neill. Sir Sam passed away on 13 July 2026, aged 78, surrounded by his family. 💙

Sir Sam was far more than an acclaimed actor. He was a proud Central Otago local, a passionate supporter of regional communities, and a generous advocate for healthcare close to home. As Patron of the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, he wholeheartedly supported our mission to strengthen healthcare services for the people of Central Otago and the Upper Clutha.

As Hayley Anderson, CEO of Central Otago Health Services Limited, reflected:
"The staff at Dunstan Hospital in Clyde who knew Sir Sam wish to acknowledge this very special man and his love for the Central Otago region and its people. We are deeply grateful for the support he gave our hospital, both through helping us secure much-needed equipment and through his efforts to raise funds locally. His generosity, kindness and commitment to our community have left a lasting legacy, and he will be greatly missed."

We are honoured to have had Sir Sam's support, encouragement and friendship. His belief in the importance of community, generosity and quality rural healthcare will continue to inspire our work for years to come.
Our heartfelt condolences go to his whānau, friends and all those whose lives he touched.

Moe mai rā, Sir Sam. Thank you for your generosity, your advocacy, and your enduring support of our community. You will be greatly missed. ❤️



Read more on our Tribute to Sir Sam here 👉

It is with profound sadness that the Dunstan Hospital Foundation marks the passing of our Patron, Sir Sam Neill , on 13 July 2026, aged 78. His family announced that he passed away in Sydney, surrounded by loved ones, describing his loss as sudden and unexpected. As Patron of the Dunstan Hospital

09/07/2026

🌟 Matariki is a time to remember, reflect, and renew. 🌟

As the stars of Matariki rise, many of us pause to think about the people who have cared for us, stood beside us, and shaped our lives. We remember loved ones who are no longer with us, give thanks for our community today, and look ahead with hope for the future.

In Central Otago and Wānaka, we know the strength of community. When someone is facing illness or injury, it's often neighbours, friends, and local health teams who wrap around them with support. That sense of caring for each other is at the heart of Matariki—and at the heart of the Dunstan Hospital Foundation.

Matariki reminds us that none of us walks alone. The health and wellbeing of our community depends on all of us playing a part, supporting one another, and investing in a future where quality healthcare is available close to home for everyone.

Every donation to the Dunstan Hospital Foundation helps provide better facilities, equipment, and healthcare services for local families—our families, close to home.

This Matariki, as we reflect on what matters most, we invite you to be part of that legacy of care.

💙 Make a gift today and help create a healthier future for generations to come.

👉 https://dunstan-hospital-foundation.raiselysite.com/

02/07/2026

Every Story Counts. Every Legacy Matters.
It was a pleasure meeting with the team at AWS Legal to discuss how legacy giving and bequests can help clients create a lasting impact in their community.
Professional advisors play an important role in helping people align their values with their legacy. Through thoughtful estate planning, clients can support the future of local healthcare, honour their experiences through our Grateful Patient Programme, and help strengthen the health and wellbeing of future generations.
We're grateful for the opportunity to partner with advisors who share our commitment to meaningful giving and lasting community impact.
💙 Together, we can help every story become a legacy.

30/06/2026

It was a pleasure to join the Two Course Tuesday group at Cromwell Presbyterian & Districts Church today. Incredible food, great conversation, and a wonderful sense of community.
We’re so lucky to have groups like this supporting and connecting people. Another humbling experience, and I left feeling grateful and overwhelming full!!
Thank you for your warm hospitality and ongoing support. As we build the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, we’re reminded that strong communities are at the heart of better healthcare for everyone. 💙

29/06/2026

Talking with the residents of Aurum on Clutha this morning about the foundation was very grounding. It still humbles me how deeply people feel that connection to Dunstan when we speak. Thank you for having me—moments like this remind me why we do the work we do. And honestly… look at that view… who wouldn’t be smiling?

20/06/2026

New from Trevor — When the Heart Has Other Plans ❤️
Sit back and relax… ☕
Like all his stories, this one is honest, a little humorous, and comes with a twist. When life flips the script and the doctor becomes the patient, Trevor shares what happens next—with insight, wit, and plenty of heart. 💬
👉 Read full story: www.dunstanhospital.org.nz/news/a-shocking-experience

A rare disease is said to be a common experience for those who have it. A common disease, I have discovered, feels equally rare for someone who is not used to being sick.           In Central Otago, we have a high prev

17/06/2026

✨ Dust off those glad rags… it’s Gala time! ✨
Swipe on that lippy, shine those shoes, and get ready for a fabulous night out 💃🕺
We’re so lucky to have the wonderful McLellan's family The Finery partnering with us and bringing this incredible event to life – how good is that! 💫
We’d love to see plenty of you there too showing your support. Let’s make it a night full of sparkle, laughter, and great company ✨
🎟️ Grab your tickets here: https://www.thefinery.co.nz/
💖

14/06/2026

❄️ Celebrate, Promote, Protect - it couldn’t be more true ❄️
On a crisp, cold day in Clyde, we had the pleasure of coming together to celebrate something truly special - a generous $10,000 donation from Promote Dunstan to us, alongside $10,000 to the Clyde Volunteer Fire Brigade
This moment captured what community is all about. Standing together were our own team and Volunteer Fire Chief Steve and his team - a powerful reminder of the people and partnerships that keep our region thriving.
A heartfelt thank you to the small hard-working team of Promote Dunstan for their incredible work in making this possible. These funds, raised through the much-loved Wine & Food Festival Clyde, will go a long way in supporting the wellbeing and safety of our community.
When we come together to promote our place and protect our people, great things happen.
💙 Thank you, Promote Dunstan - we are so grateful.

04/06/2026

That’s a wrap on our Care Close to Home Community Series 💙
Over the past few days, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with communities across our region - listening, learning, and sharing what care close to home truly means. What stood out most? The passion. The generosity. And the deep desire people have to be part of something bigger.
It’s been so humbling to hear from so many of you - your stories, your ideas, and your commitment to strengthening healthcare in our communities. Together, we’re building something meaningful, shaped by the people it serves.
This is just the beginning.
👉 Stay involved: Follow our journey, share your voice, and help us continue to grow. Reach out or connect with us to learn how you can be part of what comes next.
Thank you for showing up, engaging, and standing with us.

02/06/2026

Reminder 💙
Join us in Wānaka for our upcoming Care Close to Home – Community Session
A relaxed space to come together, connect, and hear how our community is shaping local healthcare.
📅 Thursday 4 June, 2pm - 3pm
📍 Lake Wānaka Centre, Armstrong Room, 89 Ardmore St, Wānaka
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/murkuebn
We’d love to see you there.