- Sir Michael Hill built an international jewellery empire starting with a single Whangarei store.
- He founded a prestigious violin competition and created The Hills golf course near Arrowtown.
- Tributes praised his creativity, mentorship, philanthropy and inspiration to generations of Kiwi entrepreneurs.
Sir Michael Hill, the founder of the iconic Michael Hill jewellery chain, has died aged 86. The businessman passed away on Tuesday morning, his company confirmed in a statement to the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges.
Born in Whangarei, Sir Michael started his career in his uncle Arthur Fisher’s jewellery shop. After being denied the chance to buy the business, he opened his own store in 1979. Over the following decades, the company grew to nearly 300 stores across New Zealand, Australia and Canada, becoming a household name with its famous advertising.
Sir Michael’s contributions extended beyond business. A passionate violinist, he founded the Michael Hill International Violin Competition in 2001, which continues to attract talented young musicians from around the globe. He also developed The Hills, a world-class golf course near Arrowtown that has hosted the New Zealand Open.
Rob Fyfe, chair of Michael Hill International, said the entrepreneur’s passing was “hard to come to terms with,” adding, “Michael has been an inspiration – a mentor for the last 20 years and an example of how to live life.” He described Sir Michael as “one of the most creative, driven, innovative people” he had ever met.
Former Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult remembered Sir Michael as “always positive, always thinking about the greater good of the community,” while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his “aspiration, grit, and determination” inspired countless Kiwi entrepreneurs to dream big.
Sir Michael was knighted in 2011 for services to business and the arts. He was also a philanthropist, runner, author, and an accomplished violinist. Known for his curiosity and passion for innovation, he remained actively involved in his business until recently stepping back for cancer treatment.
Sir Michael is survived by his wife Christine, children Emma and Mark, and grandchildren. A private memorial will be held in Arrowtown to celebrate his life.