Two Paddocks Winery owner Sir Sam Neill gave Dunstan Hospital a donation yesterday of $70,600 following the winery’s two-yearly wine club Posh Picnic.
Sir Sam said the picnic had become a fundraiser for Dunstan Hospital.
Before the auction at the picnic he talked to the crowd of 140-160 people about how important Dunstan Hospital was, he said.
Every dollar bid in the auction of "bits and pieces" was matched by Sir Sam.
Dunstan Hospital chief executive Hayley Anderson said the first she knew about the donation was a phone call on Monday morning from Sir Sam’s team.
The donation had a huge impact on the hospital in many ways, she said.
"It’s massive, a lot of money."
The news of the gift had given staff a great lift for the week.
"Sir Sam is clearly making a commitment to support us because of the challenges we face as a rural hospital and his lived experience."
In 2023, $31,000 was donated to the community-owned hospital from the Posh Picnic with a message from Sir Sam thanking the hospital for his care while undergoing chemotherapy there.
Sir Sam said yesterday the hospital had been a great support to him.
"It’s a remarkable place. It’s so humble-looking you wouldn’t notice it or know how important it is unless you, or someone you love, needs it and then you realise how vital it is for our community, for the Central Otago region, including the Lakes’ wider region."
Central Otago was not only one of the fastest-growing regions in the country it was also the fastest-ageing communities.
People came here to retire, and that was understandable, he said.
However, Dunstan Hospital needed to be able to cope with increased demand, he said.
"The oncology department urgently needs to double in size. There are so many things money is needed for."
Ms Anderson said the Two Paddocks donation would be used for a project soon to be announced.
Sir Sam said he hoped other businesses and organisations would consider fundraising for the community-owned hospital while being modest about the generosity of his own contribution.
"It’s the least we can do."
