Advocate for Dunedin Hospital, Mac Gardner, Dies at 83

Mac Gardner, a prominent figure in the field of genetics and a passionate advocate for the new Dunedin Hospital, passed away from prostate cancer on October 2, 2023, at the age of 83. Known for his modesty, Gardner believed that his obituary should highlight two key contributions: the co-authorship of the influential textbook, Chromosome Abnormalities and Genetic Counselling, and his late-life political activism.

Gardner’s textbook has gained international acclaim, often found in hospitals where chromosome testing is conducted. He described it as having “defined the clinical discipline.” His commitment to medicine and genetics extended beyond academia; he became increasingly involved in local politics, particularly in advocating for the construction of the Dunedin Hospital. Frustrated by delays in the project, Gardner launched a campaign to ensure the hospital was built as promised.

He took an unconventional route by running as an independent candidate for Parliament in the Taieri electorate, gaining only 268 votes but remaining undeterred. Even as his health declined, Gardner continued to push for the hospital project, financing a series of billboards in Wellington that criticized government inaction.

After graduating from the University of Otago in 1968, Gardner’s medical career began with stints at hospitals in Dunedin and Auckland. He later earned a master’s in human genetics at the University of Edinburgh and worked internationally at institutions such as the Institute for Child Health in London and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Returning to Dunedin, he served as a clinical geneticist for 16 years, shaping the next generation of cytogeneticists.

His academic prowess led to notable positions, including Associate Professor in Medical Genetics at both the University of Otago and the University of Melbourne. He was also an honorary adjunct Professor at Otago until his passing. Gardner’s legacy lies in his contributions to genetics, particularly through his textbook, which has been instrumental for those counselling families with chromosomal anomalies.

In 1993, Gardner married Kelley, and the couple later relocated to Australia, where he worked with the Victorian Clinical Genetics Service. His interests expanded into cancer genetics and neurogenetics, culminating in significant research contributions. Gardner often defined clinical genetics as “anything interesting,” highlighting his broad curiosity and engagement with the field.

Returning to Dunedin in 2008, Gardner worked part-time as a consultant clinical geneticist. He maintained an active role in research and education, contributing to the BMedLabSci course and mentoring medical students. Gardner’s passion extended beyond medicine; he was an aficionado of classical music and trains, even hosting a radio program dedicated to classical music.

Gardner’s advocacy for the Dunedin Hospital became a driving force in his later years. He criticized both the former Labour government and the current coalition government for their handling of the hospital project, expressing frustration over the lack of progress. He utilized his political campaign to draw attention to the issue, and his involvement culminated in a series of advertisements and billboards that called out politicians for their perceived incompetence.

Just two weeks before his death, Gardner published an opinion piece in The Listener, advocating for an extension to New Zealand’s assisted dying legislation. He chose to end his life on his own terms, a decision reflecting his commitment to personal choice and advocacy.

Mac Gardner leaves behind a legacy of significant contributions to genetics, a commitment to patient advocacy, and a reminder of the importance of standing up for community needs. He is survived by his wife Kelley, their sons Tony, Danny, and Nicky, and his grandchildren. His enduring spirit and dedication to both his profession and his community will be remembered by all who knew him.