[ad_1]
Wellington real estate developer Mark Dunajtschik has been honored by the real estate industry as this year’s award for members of the New Zealand Property Council, a lifetime membership awarded annually.
Dunajtschik, who has spent more than 20 years serving the real estate sector, was described as “a shining example of ‘forever ownership’, constantly breaking the often negative connotations that accompany the role of property developer.”
Dunajtschik came to New Zealand as a tool maker in 1958 to start a new life after being imprisoned by Yugoslav forces in a concentration camp in Knicanin, eventually escaping with his mother to Germany, where he trained as a tool maker.
He spent five years traveling the world and before deciding to make New Zealand his home and establish Precision Grinders. He ran the business successfully for 25 years.
READ MORE:
* Wellingtonian of the Year finalists revealed
* Mark Dunajtschik sells Polo House in Wellington
* Hospital philanthropist Mark Dunajtschik wins Wellingtonian of the Year award
He retired in 1987 and took up investing and property development as a hobby, rapidly accumulating and adding value to commercial and residential properties in downtown Wellington, developing his unique practical formula for success.
As Sir Bob Jones once said, “All property developers go broke and the only exception is the bloody Mark Dunajtschik, and the reason he doesn’t go broke is because he keeps his property.”
Dunajtschik not only has an exceptional history, but it has also added extraordinary value to Wellington’s urban landscape and community.
Dunajtschik and his partner, Dorothy Spotswood, have built an enduring legacy of commercial property in Wellington throughout their careers. This legacy includes properties such as the Polo House, Environment House, James Smith Building, Harcourts Building, HSBC Tower, Asteron Center and, most recently, the new Children’s Hospital for Capital and Coast District Health Board, valued at $ 50 million. has developed and gifted the city.
Dunajtschik has also been a benefactor to many charities, including a helicopter service that eventually morphed into today’s Life Flight Trust, disability provider Hohepa, Wellington Free Ambulance, and was one of the early private donors to the Michael Fowler Center.
Renowned for his hands-on approach to property development, Dunajtschik is personally involved in everything from electrical, plumbing and carpentry work, to ensuring elevators and gates are working properly, and negotiating with prospective tenants and agents. He is among the most successful property developers and investors in New Zealand, although he only got started in the industry as a “hobby” at the age of 57.
Property Council Executive Director Leonie Freeman says: “It is our great pleasure to introduce this year’s Laureate Member to this truly deserving real estate entrepreneur and philanthropist.
“I would like to personally congratulate Mark on this well-deserved award and thank him and his partner Dorothy for their tremendous contribution to both the real estate industry and the wider community.”
