Renowned jeweller Michael Hill dies at age 86
The Michael Hill company's board and executives announced the jeweller's death on Tuesday.
'Sir Michael was a celebrated jeweller, entrepreneur, philanthropist and committed father and husband who, with his wife Lady Christine, founded and grew Michael Hill from its humble beginnings in Whangarei, New Zealand to a global retail jewellery brand that spans Australia, New Zealand and Canada,' the statement read.
Hill and his wife founded the jewellery brand in 1979, opening his first store in New Zealand. Since then, Michael Hill has grown into a cross-country enterprise, with 287 stores spanning New Zealand, Australia and Canada. The first Australian stores opened in 1980.
Chairman of the company Rob Fyfe said Hill built a legacy that will continue to inspire.
'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,' he said.
Hill's fascination with elegant, high-quality jewellery began at the age of 17, when he began working at his uncle's family-owned store in New Zealand after being advised against pursuing a career as a concert violinist.
However, his love for music continued, leading him to create one of the most respected violin contests in the world – the Michael Hill International Violin Competition. He also formed The Hills, one of New Zealand's most famous golf courses, and wrote several books, including Toughen Up: What I've learned about surviving tough times and Think Bigger.
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