New Zealand
- Sir Bob Jones passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a brief illness
- He built a vast property empire and founded the New Zealand Party to challenge government
- Sir Bob was a lifelong boxing fan, commentator, and published author of twenty six books
Sir Bob Jones, a towering figure in New Zealand's business and political landscape, has died aged 85.
"I can confirm on behalf of the family that Sir Robert Jones died peacefully at home surrounded by family after a brief illness," the NZ general manager of Robert Jones Holdings confirmed on Friday.
Jones made a huge impression on the country, amassing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of commercial buildings across Auckland, Wellington, and Glasgow, Scotland. Beyond his business success, he sought political change by founding the New Zealand Party in 1983, aiming to bring down Robert Muldoon's National government.
Born in Lower Hutt into a modest family, Jones left Victoria University after winning a boxing blue, choosing to work in advertising and publishing. In 1964, he founded Robert Jones Investments, later floating it on the stock exchange in 1982. Although the company survived the 1987 stock market crash, it never regained its former strength.
His New Zealand Party, promoting free-market policies and opposing defence spending, captured 12 percent of the vote in 1984. Although it did not secure parliamentary seats due to the electoral system, it helped Labour win a landslide victory under David Lange.
🕯️ Sir Bob Jones has died.
— New Zealand Taxpayers' Union (@TaxpayersUnion) May 2, 2025
A provocateur for liberty, a generous supporter of the Taxpayers’ Union, and the man behind some of Wellington’s finest quirks — from the “Save the krill, kill the whales” billboard to the “Toilet in 100m” signs pointing dutifully toward Parliament.
He… pic.twitter.com/cPgWUfs0i9
Jones remained a media fixture throughout his life, expressing views on a wide range of topics, running radio talkback shows, and writing newspaper columns. He published 26 books, including nine novels.
Court appearances were also part of his public life, involving defamation suits and property disputes. In a memorable 1985 incident, Jones punched journalist Rod Vaughan from Eye Witness News, who had approached him while he was fly fishing, resulting in footage that remains etched in New Zealand’s television history. When in court the judge fined him $1,000, Jones piped up 'If I pay $2,000, can I hit him again"
Despite his tough public image, Jones supported many community causes, including women's refuges and the New Zealand Ballet.
A lifelong boxing enthusiast, he served as a commentator and earned a university boxing blue. Knighted in 1989, Sir Bob also contributed to government inquiries, chairing investigations into broadcasting and the Winter Olympics.
Historian Paul Moon described Sir Bob as "one of the most important figures in the country from that most important of elections" in 1984. Moon added, "Controversial, complex, fiercely intelligent, and outspoken, it's unlikely we'll see someone like Bob Jones on the political stage again."
Rest in peace Sir Bob, your were a legend.