Following the announcement earlier this week by jewellery brand Michael Hill of the passing of their founder Sir Michael Hill KNZM, Golf New Zealand has recognised his contributions as a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and one of the greatest benefactors of golf in Aotearoa.
Sir Michael Hill passed away peacefully, aged 86, leaving wife Lady Christine, children Mark and Emma and a legacy that transformed golf in New Zealand.
Sir Michael created the jewellery brand in 1979 in Whangarei, New Zealand with Lady Christine before expanding to Australia in 1980, with the business now operating more than 200 stores across the country in addition to stores in New Zealand and Canada.
Golf New Zealand shared “Sir Michael Hill brought the same passion and creativity that defined his business success to his lifelong love of golf. In 2007, he opened The Hills – his privately developed championship course in Arrowtown – an ambitious project that not only set a new standard for golf course design in New Zealand but also made a significant contribution to New Zealand’s standing on the world golfing stage.
“The course went on to host a number of New Zealand Opens during Sir Michael’s tenure and was a reflection of excellence, innovation, and hospitality. He spearheaded the campaign to return the Open to the South Island, investing significantly to host the tournament in a manner that would engage the imagination of players and fans from around the world.
“Knighted in 2011 for his business and arts service, Sir Michael’s golfing legacy is equally enduring. Through his sponsorship of the New Zealand Open, the creation of a world-class complex in The Hills, and his vision for golf as a sport that combines sport, art, and nature, he changed the face of New Zealand golf globally.”
Sir Michael Hill’s philanthropy is acknowledged by Golf NZ as enhancing the lives of numerous individuals with his sponsorship of young Kiwi golfers to be remembered by generations of Kiwis.
Golf New Zealand Board Chairman, Norm Thompson ONZM, CFInstD, said Sir Michael’s legacy will forever shine adding “Sir Michael was not only a remarkable businessman but a true visionary whose passion for excellence and dedication to the game of golf inspired many. His legacy will forever shine brightly in our hearts and on our courses.
“His journey from Whangarei to global acclaim serves as a reminder that with ambition and perseverance, dreams can indeed become reality.”
“Sir Michael Hill will be sorely missed, but his vision will live on in the fairways of The Hills, in the continued success of the New Zealand Open, and in the hearts of the people whose lives he touched.
“Golf New Zealand would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Hill family and all those who were fortunate enough to know and work alongside Sir Michael.
“He helped to change the game in New Zealand and for that, we will be forever thankful.”
Image. Sir Michael Hill. Credit: Golf NZ
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