Sir Michael Hill, Arrowtown, KNZM
For services to business and the arts. Sir Michael is an entrepreneur and supporter of the arts and golf. He is founder and Chair of Michael Hill international, with 250 jewellery stores in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States. The Michael Hill International Violin Competition is in its 10th year and attracts the world’s finest young musicians. The competition aims to raise New Zealanders awareness to classical music and to encourage higher achievement. He is a trustee of the Queenstown Lakes District Cultural Trust. He was instrumental in raising the profile of the New Zealand Golf Open by bringing the event to his private course for three years. Mr Hill is a major donor to Cure Kids, and helps to fund medical research into incurable diseases. He was named The New Zealand Herald Business Leader of the Year in 2008 and Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009.