For Marko, Dunedin has been his home base for most of his life. Born in Auckland, he grew up down south and has spent many decades building a life influenced by those close to him. Work colleagues, a small but strong circle of friends, and of course, Dunedin’s landscapes and environment. It is family that has always anchored him here and has continued to give him a strong sense of belonging.

Speaking with Marko about a turning point in life, he talked about the loss of his father. This was a significant event that has left a lasting impression on his views on the health care system, how people are cared for in old age, and the importance of maintaining dignity in old age. The health care system let his father down and Marko believes it could have been prevented if the system had recognised their shortcomings earlier.

Another turning point in life came about through work, this time on a positive note. After years of moving through casual employment, he finally found a role that suited his strengths and personality. Through his current work in the transport field, he discovered a hidden talent for planning, logistics, and problem solving in a busy work environment. Marko loves his job and his work, whether it is coordinating complex tasks or responding to unexpected challenges. 

Finding practical solutions and completing projects to deadline gives him a sense of joy and accomplishment. And while, like any job, there are difficult periods and challenges, overall, it gives him a sense of purpose. And so, his workplace was a fitting place to capture his portrait.

Marko was reluctant to talk about other achievements in life, but with some prompting, he talked about once being a highly competitive athlete and cyclist. A highlight was winning a local half marathon, at age 40, against competitors much younger than himself. It felt like there has been a common thread of determination, persistence, and willingness to continuously challenge himself, as he spoke.

Turning again to his personal life, it was like going back in time, to simpler times. For many years, Marko lived without a computer, internet, television, or a mobile phone. Living a quiet life, he has a passion for growing his own vegetables in a greenhouse at home, and talks highly of his tomatoes that fill the best gourmet sandwiches to sustain him in the active work environment.

I asked Marko how he would like to be remembered by others, and a straightforward answer came through. He is someone who people could trust and rely on, and someone who did what he said he would do.

“If I said I was going to do something, I would do it.”