Don McKenzie
CNZM, OBE, B.Physiotherapy, Dip. Manip. Therapy, Cert. Rehabilitation

My 40 years experience on public and private sector boards and committees has shown me the power of teamwork, listening, not jumping to conclusions, and doing the research. My professional life has been spent listening to people; I'm trained in science and know how to analyse issues. When the chips are down and hard decisions are to be made, I'm driven by equity and fairness, the facts, balance, sustainability and what's best for the long term.

I chaired the multi-million dollar Blind Foundation for 18 years, and the Government Ministers of Health, Education and Welfare, of different political persuasions, have appointed me to various working parties and councils. In 2011 I was a finalist in the senior section of the Kiwi Bank New Zealander of the Year awards and won the New Zealander of the Year, Auckland Local Hero’s medal. Between 2010 and 2013 I was a member of the Local Waiheke Board. In January 2014 I was awarded a Companion of the Order CNZM in the New Year's Honours List for services to physiotherapy and the blind. Then in March 2014 I was given a Distinguished Service Alumni Award from Massey University for my work in the fields of physiotherapy and disability rights. 

I have worked as a public hospital and self employed Physiotherapist for nearly 50 years and have run my own business for 42 years. I am a past president of Rotary Waiheke, (having been a member for 10 years) and served on the Omiha Welfare and Recreation Society, Rocky Bay, Waiheke Island for a similar period. 

I have been a permanent resident on Waiheke Island for the past 14 years and am married with two children and six grandchildren.

Authorised by Don McKenzie, 1 Glen Brook Rd, Waiheke Island

I'm always up for adventure! Ecozip, Waiheke Island, 2013