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Sir Michael Hill, the founder of Michael Hill Jeweller, died this morning aged 86.

Hill stepped down from his role on the board of NZX-listed Michael Hill International to undergo cancer treatment in April.

In a statement, the company said Hill 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 Whangārei, New Zealand to a global retail jewellery brand that spans Australia, New Zealand and Canada”.

Michael Hill International chairman Rob Fyfe said Hill was much more than a jeweller.

“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,” said Fyfe.

Hill’s first love was music and he dreamed of becoming a concert violinist. But at the age of 17 he was told he had started too late to reach the pinnacle of his craft.

That’s when he moved into the jewellery business.

Hill opened his first store in Whangārei in 1979 at 40, after spending nearly two decades working in his uncle’s jewellery store.

The chain now has 291 stores in New Zealand, Australia and Canada.

Hill also founded the Michael Hill International Violin Competition and created The Hills, one of New Zealand’s most well-known golf courses.

Hill even met his future wife Christine Roe in the store.

They connected over their shared appreciation for creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

Sir Michael and Lady Christine married in 1965 forging a love affair and business partnership that lasted more than 60 years.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on X that 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 to celebrate the life of Hill will be held in Arrowtown.

Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Herald, covering small business, retail and tourism.