AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – New Zealand’s renowned jeweller and entrepreneur, Sir Michael Hill, has passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of building a global retail jewellery brand from humble beginnings.
Sir Michael, who founded Michael Hill International with his wife Lady Christine, died on Tuesday, according to a statement posted on the NZX.
The company’s board, executive, and team expressed their deepest condolences to Hill’s family and friends.
Throughout his career, Sir Michael showcased exceptional skills as a jeweller, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and devoted father and husband.
He transformed Michael Hill into a global brand with stores in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
Before venturing into the world of jewellery, Sir Michael initially aspired to become a classical violinist.
However, he shifted his focus after being told he started too late to achieve his dream.
He then leveraged his natural talent for storytelling, visual merchandising, and sales to build his successful business.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Sir Michael, praising his “aspiration, grit, and determination to succeed” in building a globally recognized brand and inspiring generations of Kiwi entrepreneurs.
“He built a brand from scratch and gave back to the country that he loved,” Luxon said.
Michael Hill International’s chairman, Rob Fyfe, remembered Sir Michael as a man who brought purpose, curiosity, and creativity to every endeavour.
Fyfe, who had known Hill for two decades, expressed a deep sense of loss, describing his friend’s passing as a “huge shock.”
A private memorial service for Sir Michael Hill is scheduled to take place in Arrowtown.
His family, including his wife Lady Christine and two children, will be attending the service.