[3] He left school at 16 to pursue a career as a concert violinist but a year later was told he would have had to start much younger in life to be a noteworthy musician.

[4] Hill abandoned his hopes of a career in music and started working for his uncle, Arthur Fisher, at the family jewellery store.

In the spring of 1964, while working in the store, Hill met Christine Roe, an Englishwoman who taught art at a local high school.

[5] In 2002, the goal of opening 1000 stores by 2022 was established by Hill, with the further aim of taking the brand global.

[6] Although he didn't become a concert violinist, Hill has maintained a strong love for the violin his entire life and continues to play.

In 2001 he founded the biennial Michael Hill International Violin Competition "for emerging young violinists".

The foundry made full-scale polystyrene models which Patté then covered in a plasticine skin to add finishing details.

[19] In April 2007, Hill launched the VvS1, a 112-foot super yacht built for luxury charters in the South Pacific.

[2] In the 2002 New Year Honours, Hill was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to business and the arts.

The awards "acknowledge the accomplishments of entrepreneurs and celebrate the contribution they are making to New Zealand's economy and society".