Entrepreneur Sir Michael Hill, founder of Michael Hill Jeweller and a New Zealand retail legend, has died aged 86.
In an NZX update today, Michael Hill International Limited announced the death of its founder.
Jeweller and philanthropist spent his later years enjoying his Arrowtown golf course. (Source: 1News)
Michael Hill International Limited chairperson Rob Fyfe said the board, executive and the team expressed their deepest and sincerest condolences to Hill’s family and friends.
“He’s been a student his whole life. Eighty-six, sitting around the board table six months ago, he was still the most curious, most open-minded, the one who was always looking for new ideas. He never had that air of ‘I know it all, I’m always right’,” Fyfe told 1News today.
“[He was] an inspiration to me, but it’s not my story – he was an inspiration to so many people.”
Fyfe said Sir Michael always had the “courage” to follow his dreams and passions, saying that was how he found success.
“So driven, yet so creative, whether he turned his mind to creating the best golf course or the jewellery business, or it was the violin competition.
“I’ve never met a person like him.”
Sir Michael had stepped back from his business in April so he could undergo cancer treatment.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Sir Michael’s aspiration, grit, and determination not only built a globally recognised brand 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.”
Whangārei Boys’ High School, where Sir Michael attended, said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of his death.
“We are proud to count Sir Michael Hill among our most distinguished alumni. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of young men at Whangārei Boys’ High School to pursue excellence and make a meaningful impact.”
See more on Sir Michael Hill on TVNZ+
As a young man, he worked the shop floor at his uncle’s jewellers in Whangārei after he tried to pursue a career as a concert violinist.
According to his memoir, Sir Michael worked as a salesperson and window dresser, winning multiple awards. He later took over advertising and was promoted to store manager.
In 1965, he married art teacher Christine Roe. The two met while Sir Michael was working at the store. They had two children together.
After over a decade at his uncle’s shop, Sir Michael attempted to buy it.
“He wouldn’t sell to me, and he didn’t. So, it left me with two options. Either stay for the rest of my life or move out. And it was an easy decision,” Sir Michael told 1News in 2019.
In 1979, Sir Michael opened his first eponymous store just a few metres up the road from his old workplace.
Over the next half a century, the business would rapidly expand, eventually growing to more than 300 stores across New Zealand, Canada and Australia, turning Sir Michael’s business into a jewellery empire.
‘Thrill of the chase’
“You can always find something to spend the money on. The money becomes very secondary. In fact, it has nothing to do with it. It’s the thrill of the chase,” Hill said about his career.
The words “Hello, Michael Hill, jeweller” would become familiar to many Kiwis.
He would also branch out of the jewellery business, venturing into ladies’ footwear for a time.
Sir Michael also wrote three books.
Outside the business, Sir Michael was a lifelong runner and an enthusiastic golfer.
He put a green in the front garden of his Arrowtown home, eventually expanding it with trees and bunkers, becoming several par-three holes. Over the years, it grew into an 18-hole course and golf club called The Hills.
It evolved into a renowned championship course hosting the New Zealand Open several times in the late 2000s.
While unsuccessful as a concert violinist, Sir Michael maintained a strong love for the instrument, founding the biennial Michael Hill International Violin Competition.
The contest was for emerging young violinists, and the winner was awarded a large cash prize, a recording deal for international distribution, and a “winners tour” of performances across New Zealand and Australia.
In 2011, he was knighted for services to business and the arts.
A few years later, he handed the reins of chairperson of the business to his daughter Emma.
Sir Michael is survived by his wife, children Mark and Emma and a business that will keep his name alive.
A private memorial would be held for Sir Michael in Arrowtown.
