About Us

After a life-long career as an accountant (he reluctantly relinquished his last client at age 90), it's not surprising that Donald has ensured his legacy will continue for many generations.  Last year, Donald and his family made a transformational gift to Build Wairarapa Ambulance Station – committing $1 million to help fund this vital asset for Wellington Free and the community. 

Donald was adamant that during his lifetime he was to remain anonymous, which fits with his humble and private nature.  Since his passing in March 2024, it's now appropriate to publicly acknowledge and celebrate his life and legacy with the community that will benefit from his generosity.

Early life

Growing up and spending the majority of his life in Palmerston North, Donald was from a family of six – including two sets of twins.  Donald’s father started William E Jones, a well-known monumental masons’ business, still serving the community almost 100 years later. Donald and several of his brothers worked for the family business at some point in a variety of roles, Donald taking care of the finances.  

Donald began his career as an accountant learning on the job and working his way up, eventually starting his own accountancy firm which he worked in and managed for the majority of his professional life.

A life-long bachelor, Donald was hugely committed to his work as well as many community groups.  He spent many years with Roller Skating NZ where his secretary / treasurer skills saw him travelling with the team to competitions during the height of roller-skating popularity in the 50s and 60s. 

Donald was also heavily involved in the lower North Island TAB. Although never a gambler himself, he enjoyed travelling around the horse race meets ensuring that the money going through the tote was accurate.  His niece Christine recalls “Numbers were his thing to the last cent, everything had to balance, it was how his mind worked and just how he was.” 

His entrepreneurial nature saw him involved in the establishment of the Guardian Newspaper in Palmerston North, a community newspaper that exists today as the Manawatu Guardian.  Donald saw this as a business opportunity as well as a service to the community in terms of sharing news and current events across the city. 

Over many years he travelled the world indulging his love of art and history.  Often, he would bring back business ideas from things he had seen – a great example of this is Uncle Sam’s Americana – a burger bar that was iconic for Hawaiian burgers with steamed buns.  A fond memory for many in Palmerston North.

Alongside his love of numbers, art and history, Donald was passionate about property and architecture.  Designing his own home and building a number of commercial properties, including one of the first shopping centres in Palmerston North that included the first mini market for the area. As with all entrepreneurs he experienced huge success and also disappointment when things did not turn out as planned, however his desire to pursue the next thing was not dampened and he went on to have many successful business ventures.

Life in the Wairarapa

Donald lived his final years in the Wairarapa, enjoying being closer to family. It's during this time in the Wairarapa Donald saw and experienced firsthand the need for and importance of Wellington Free Ambulance.  The Fenix Foundation, a charitable trust Donald established, has supported well over 160 charities to varying degrees over many years, but the time had come to make a substantial donation that would potentially help everyone in the area, which is where the purpose built Wairarapa Wellington Free Ambulance Station came in. 

Donald was thrilled to donate to a cause that supports everyone in the Wairarapa. He was particularly interested in this property project due to the IL4 building rating required to ensure this ambulance station is fully operational as a community hub in a civil defence emergency.  He knew that at some stage anyone and everyone could benefit from his donation towards the Station as a service that is there for anyone.  

The $1 million donation given by Donald and his family is historic for Wellington Free Ambulance as the largest ever single gift from a family made to the service. 

Right up until his last days of life, Donald was wanting to get things done and achieve things, discussing his wish to donate the flag for Wairarapa Ambulance Station with his niece, a wish we will be proud to honor when the Station build is complete.

Donald will be remembered as a selfless man who wanted to help people.  His private nature means his generosity and compassion for his community may have gone unnoticed during his lifetime, but with this tremendous gift to Wellington Free Ambulance his memory and legacy will live on for many generations to come and be appreciated by all.

Nga mihi nui Donald.