The humble couple giving millions to charity

The humble couple giving millions to charity

Millionaires many times over, one incredible Christchurch couple could be living the high life, but they aren't.

Grant and Marilyn Nelson live on a pension, and via a charitable trust direct their millions to worthy causes.

They shun publicity and say even good friends will be surprised to hear their story.

The Nelsons care deeply about their country and their community.

They are humble people, selfless people and self-made people. Mr Nelson was born with limited vision, which has worsened over time.

He built up a successful importing business, and when they sold up in 1995, life took an altruistic turn.

They've gifted Kakahu Forest to the public. They've handed the Studholme Reserve in Waimate over to Department of Conservation to manage. Thanks to the Nelsons, 600 hectares of native bush on Banks Peninsula is now protected for public use.

They've set up a fellowship for bi-polar research, established the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies and at University of Otago have helped to fund the Legal Issues Centre.

They also support the Blind Foundation and set up their own budgeting website.

Watch the video for the full Story report.