Sir Michael Hill

Sir Michael’s inspiring journey spans a diverse array of achievements, from founding the successful Michael Hill Jewellery chain to establishing the esteemed Michael Hill International Violin Competition.

Following a devastating house fire in 1977, Sir Michael emerged as a visionary entrepreneur whose dedication to arts, music, and business showcases the power of passion and perseverance. His family, including Lady Christine and their children Emma and Mark, are integral to their multifaceted ventures, such as the renowned Hills Golf Course and various innovative enterprises.

Known for his numerous accomplishments, Sir Michael has worn many hats: concert violinist, businessman, world-class window dresser, golfer, farmer, best-selling author, super-yacht owner, arts advocate, public speaker, and restaurant franchise owner. Yet, to many, he is synonymous with “jeweller.”

Sir Michael’s rise to fame in the jewellery industry is a story of resilience. Leaving school at 16 with aspirations of becoming a concert violinist, he pivoted to watchmaking in his uncle’s jewellery business after not winning the New Zealand Herald violin competition. Though watchmaking didn’t last, he thrived in sales and advertising, becoming a skilled window dresser and eventually a store manager for over two decades.

The turning point came in 1977, when his family home burned down. Watching the flames, he had an epiphany to start his own jewellery store. After his uncle declined his offer to buy the business, he opened his own store, rapidly achieving success and laying the foundation for a global empire. He focused on a simplified store layout and dedicated solely to jewellery, surpassing his initial goal of seven stores in seven years and ultimately reaching over 250 stores across New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the USA.

Sir Michael’s contributions to business and the arts earned him a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2011 and the title of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008. His passion for music led him to establish the Michael Hill International Violin Competition in 2011, a prestigious platform for young violinists.

In a generous gesture, Sir Michael donated an artwork to the Whangārei Boys’ High School Old Boys’ Association, raising $2,000 to fund a Sir Michael Hill Music Scholarship. This contribution underscores his dedication to nurturing young talent in the arts.

Beyond business, Sir Michael’s interests are vast. He transformed a former deer farm in Arrowtown into The Hills, a world-class golf course that hosted the New Zealand Open from 2007 to 2010. He also owns the luxury super-yacht VVS1, which has won international design awards.

As a motivational speaker, Sir Michael shares insights on achieving success. His autobiographies, *Toughen Up* (2009) and *Think Bigger* (2010), are New Zealand bestsellers, solidifying his reputation as an inspirational figure.

The Hill family works closely together, with Lady Christine, a respected artist, as a trustee of the Violin Competition, and their daughter Emma, who played a significant role in the company’s international growth. Their son Mark, a sculptor and photographer, contributes his talents to family projects.

From humble beginnings in Whangārei, Sir Michael Hill’s journey to global business leader and philanthropist exemplifies how vision, creativity, and persistence can turn the most challenging circumstances into remarkable success.