From Patient to Patron at Dunstan Hospital
Since March 2023, Sir Sam and his fundraising efforts have raised over $100,000 for Dunstan Hospital.
When most of us think of Sir Sam Neill, we picture him on the big screen, from Jurassic Park to Hunt for the Wilderpeople. But in 2023, Sam shared a very different story: his own battle with stage 3 T-cell lymphoma, an aggressive blood cancer that saw him undergoing chemotherapy and facing life’s hardest questions head-on.
Speaking candidly, Sam described his treatment as “ferocious,” but also spoke about the clarity that came from confronting illness, a renewed appreciation for life, whānau, and community. His openness resonated deeply, not only because of his fame, but because it reflected something all too familiar: the vulnerability and strength that comes with facing serious illness.
A Connection to Dunstan
For Sam, this journey has intertwined with the story of Dunstan Hospital. Living in Central Otago, he experienced first hand the importance of rural healthcare that is close, compassionate, and community-focused. When illness or injury strikes, distance can be a barrier — and Dunstan bridges that gap by keeping more people cared for, within an hour of home.
Recognising the hospital’s unique role, Sam made a significant personal donation earlier this year to support Dunstan’s work. His gift has already helped strengthen the services and equipment that local people depend on. Just as fundraisers once kept Dunstan alive through cake stalls and horse races, Sam’s generosity reflects the same spirit of giving that sustains rural healthcare.
Stepping Into a New Role
Now, Sam has taken his commitment one step further, becoming the first Patron of the Dunstan Hospital Foundation. In this role, he lends not only his name but his voice, helping shine a national spotlight on the importance of rural hospitals and the communities that stand behind them.
The Foundation was created to ensure that Central Otago, the Upper Clutha, and the Lakes District always have access to excellent healthcare, when it’s needed, closer to home. Government funding supports Dunstan’s day-to-day services, but it does not cover future-proofing, facility improvements, or the extra services that make all the difference. That’s where the Foundation comes in: raising funds that bridge the gap between what’s funded and what’s truly needed.
Sam’s support strengthens this mission immeasurably. As someone who knows both the realities of serious illness and the relief of quality care, he embodies the Foundation’s purpose: ensuring that no matter where you live, you deserve healthcare that meets the highest standard.
More Than a Hospital, More Than a Patron
Last year alone, Dunstan’s community services prepared and delivered 16,000 Meals on Wheels, made over 12,000 district nursing visits, and provided thousands of outpatient and specialist appointments. These numbers tell the story of a hospital that punches well above its weight — and a community that refuses to settle for less.
Sam’s role as Patron connects his personal story of resilience with Dunstan’s legacy of care. From battling cancer with courage to giving back with generosity, his journey reflects the same values that have carried Dunstan for more than 160 years: determination, compassion, and a deep belief in looking after one another.
Looking Ahead
From his vineyard in Central Otago to film sets across the world, Sam Neill has lived many lives. Now, as Patron of the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, he helps write a new chapter for rural health — one that is powered by generosity, shaped by community, and focused on ensuring that world-class care is always available, right here at home.
“Dunstan Hospital has been here for me — now I want to be here for Dunstan.” – Sir Sam Neill