Sir Michael Hill, the founder of Michael Hill Jewellers and one of New Zealand’s most recognisable business figures, has died at the age of 86.
Michael Hill International Limited confirmed his passing in a formal statement to the NZX and ASX on Tuesday morning.
“It is with great sadness that Michael Hill International Limited announces the passing of our Founder and Non-Executive Director, Sir Michael Hill this morning,” the company said.
“The Board, Executive and all the Michael Hill team express their deepest and sincerest condolences to Michael’s family and friends.”
Sir Michael was described as a celebrated jeweller, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and devoted husband and father. Together with his wife, Lady Christine, he built the Michael Hill brand from a single store in Whangārei in 1979 into a global jewellery retail business spanning New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.
Together with his wife, Lady Christine. Photo: Now with love.
Chairman Rob Fyfe paid tribute to Hill’s relentless drive and visionary leadership.
“To every endeavour he pursued, Michael brought a deep sense of purpose, an enduring curiosity, open-mindedness and creativity that challenged all of us to embrace ever more lofty goals and be unconstrained in our thinking – a legacy that will continue to inspire us,” Fyfe said.
Sir Michael’s first passion was music, and in his youth he dreamed of becoming a concert violinist. But at 17, he was told he had started too late to reach the top of the profession. Redirecting his path, he joined his uncle’s jewellery business, a career pivot that would ultimately define his life.
A decade after opening his first store Sir Michael Hill had opened stores across the country. In his Queen St shop, Auckland in 1989.
JOHN SELKIRK / STUFF
He quickly discovered a talent for visual merchandising and marketing, winning international awards for his window displays and reshaping the jewellery industry’s advertising with bold, unconventional campaigns.
Knighted in 2011 for services to business and the arts, Sir Michael went on to found the Michael Hill International Violin Competition in 2001, now regarded as one of the world’s premier classical music contests.
Hill in 2011
He also developed The Hills golf course in Arrowtown, where he lived with Lady Christine, and co-hosted the New Zealand Open. The couple met in 1964 and married the following year, sharing over 60 years of life and business together.
In a statement, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, “Sir Michael Hill’s aspiration, grit, and determination to succeed not only built a globally recognised brand, but also inspired generations of Kiwi entrepreneurs to dream big. He built a brand from scratch and gave back to the country that he loved. May he rest in peace.”
A private memorial service will be held in Arrowtown.
