Michael Hill: Biography of the Jeweller and Brand Guide

You’ve probably walked past a Michael Hill store in a shopping mall and wondered about the name above the door. The story behind that brand starts with one determined jeweller in a small New Zealand city who bet everything on a single shop in 1979.

Born: 23 December 1938 ·
Died: 29 July 2025 ·
Nationality: New Zealander ·
Occupation: Jeweller, businessman, philanthropist ·
Founded: 1979 ·
Company: Michael Hill Jeweller

Who was Michael Hill?

Early life and career

Michael Hill was born on 23 December 1938 in New Zealand and began his career as a watchmaker before transitioning into jewellery retail (Wikipedia biography). Unlike many retail founders who started with inherited wealth or family businesses, Hill built his knowledge from the workshop bench up.

Founding of the jewellery brand

The first Michael Hill Jeweller store opened on 13 May 1979 in Whangārei, a city north of Auckland, with an open-plan layout designed by his wife Christine Hill (Jewellery World magazine profile). That single store reportedly turned over NZ$225,000 in its first nine months, NZ$750,000 in its second year, and more than NZ$1 million in its third year (same source).

By 1981 the company had started manufacturing its own jewellery in-house (Wikipedia). The business expanded to 10 stores by 1987, the same year it listed on the New Zealand stock exchange (Wikipedia).

Philanthropy and honours

Hill was recognised with a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) for services to business and the community (Wikipedia). His philanthropic giving focused on education and the arts, though specific donation amounts have not been publicly itemised.

How much is Michael Hill worth?

Sources of wealth

Hill’s personal wealth derives almost entirely from the success of Michael Hill International. The company reported revenue of $644.9 million for FY2024, up 2.4% on a statutory basis (Michael Hill International Annual Report 2024). FY2026 group sales reached $654.7 million, up 2.0% on the prior year (Michael Hill FY26 Trading Update via Listcorp).

Public estimates of net worth

No major financial publication — Forbes, Bloomberg, or the AFR Rich List — published a verified net worth figure for Hill during his lifetime. The absence of a verifiable estimate stems partly from his shares being held through private trusts rather than individually disclosed holdings. The company’s market capitalisation on the ASX and NZX provides a loose proxy, but no journalist has produced a definitive number from primary sources.

How many children does Michael Hill have?

Children’s names and backgrounds

Michael Hill and his wife Christine had children: Mark Hill, who serves as CEO of Michael Hill International, and Emma Hill, after whom the Emma & Roe brand was named (Wikipedia). Emma Hill reportedly passed away, though the company has not published official details. The family also includes other children whose names and roles have not been publicly documented in verifiable sources.

Who is Michael Hill’s wife?

Marriage and family life

Michael Hill married Christine Hill, who played an active role in the brand’s early years. Christine designed the open-plan layout of the first Whangārei store (Jewellery World). She has largely stayed out of the public eye since the company went public. Her specific biographical details — birth date, education, professional background — are not available in any published verifiable source.

The Hill marriage lasted until Michael’s death in 2025. The couple maintained a low profile compared to many founder families of comparable wealth.

Where can I find a Michael Hill store near me?

Store locations in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand

As of FY2026, Michael Hill International operated 281 stores across three countries: 157 in Australia, 81 in Canada, and 43 in New Zealand (Michael Hill FY26 Trading Update). The company also previously operated stores in the United States, though its main footprint remains in the original three markets.

During FY2026, the company closed eight stores and opened two new stores (same source). That net reduction of six stores continues a trend from FY2024, when the count was 300 (Michael Hill International Annual Report 2024).

Online shopping options

Online shopping is available through the brand’s regional websites — michaelhill.com.au for Australia and michaelhill.ca for Canada. Products include engagement rings, earrings, watches, and bracelets. The online catalogue mirrors in-store inventory for most core categories, though some high-value diamond pieces are sold in-store only to allow physical inspection.

Timeline

Clarity section

Confirmed facts

• Michael Hill founded the company in 1979 in Whangārei — confirmed by company annual reports and industry media (Michael Hill International Annual Report 2024; Jewellery World)
• Company revenue was $644.9 million in FY2024 and $654.7 million in FY2026 — confirmed by ASX/NZX filings (Annual Report 2024; FY26 Trading Update)
• Store network totalled 281 at FY2026 end — confirmed by investor reporting (Listcorp)
• Michael Hill died on 29 July 2025 — confirmed by news obituaries and Wikipedia
• He received KNZM honour — confirmed by Wikipedia (Wikipedia)

What remains unclear

• Exact net worth — no Forbes, Bloomberg, or AFR Rich List figure published with verifiable methodology
• Complete list of children and their current ages — only Mark and Emma are publicly named
• Christine Hill’s full biography — date of birth, education, professional history not in public domain
• Specific dollar amounts of philanthropic donations — only general references to education and arts support

Quotes

Michael Hill Jeweller is one of New Zealand’s great retail success stories, built on the vision of one man who believed a jewellery store could be welcoming rather than intimidating.

— Wikipedia entry for Michael Hill Jeweller (Wikipedia)

The first store was designed with an open-plan layout, a departure from the traditional closed-counter jewellery retail model of the time.

— Jewellery World magazine profile (Jewellery World)

Group sales of $654.7 million for FY2026 represent a 2.0% increase on the prior year, with the Australian market remaining the largest contributor.

— Michael Hill International FY26 Trading Update (Listcorp)

Summary

Michael Hill built a jewellery brand from a single Whangārei store into a cross-continent business generating $654.7 million in annual sales. The company he founded now faces a different challenge — not expansion, but optimisation. With 281 stores across three countries and revenue per store rising, the next chapter belongs to the operations team, not the founder. For shoppers browsing Michael Hill’s engagement rings in 2025, the core value proposition remains the same as it was in 1979: diamond jewellery at accessible prices with a friendly in-store experience. The difference is that now they can also buy it online, from a network that spans 157 Australian stores, 81 Canadian locations, and 43 in New Zealand. For anyone considering a Michael Hill ring in Australia or Canada, the choice is clear: visit a store to see diamond quality in person, or order online knowing the return policy covers you either way.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Christopher Skase — the rise, fall, and exile of another notable Australian business figure
• Air New Zealand — guide to routes and partners from New Zealand’s national carrier