Full Breakdown
Les Mills, Olympian, Fitness Pioneer, and Former Auckland Mayor, Dies at 91
6/29/2026, 4:20:15 AM
Mills' Passing
Former Auckland mayor, Olympic shot-putter and founder of the global Les Mills fitness brand died at the age of 91. The announcement prompted condolences from local officials, sport administrators and the public, highlighting his multifaceted influence on sport, business and civic life.
Athletic & Business Legacy
Mills competed for New Zealand in four Olympic Games, starting with Rome 1960, and won five Commonwealth Games medals, including a discus gold in 1966. His shot-put record stood for 44 years. In 1968 he opened a modest basement gym in Auckland that evolved into Les Mills International, a global network of fitness-class studios. He received an MBE in 1973 for services to sport and a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002.
Key Milestones
- 1934 – Born in New Lynn, West Auckland.
- 1960 – First Olympic appearance (Rome).
- 1966 – Commonwealth Games discus gold.
- 1968 – Opened first gym in Auckland.
- 1973 – Awarded MBE.
- 1990-1998 – Mayor of Auckland City; oversaw America’s Cup Village, Sky Tower and SkyCity development.
- 2002 – Appointed Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
- 2018 – Underwent TAVI heart procedure.
Why It Matters
His athletic achievements set a benchmark for New Zealand track-and-field competitors, while his fitness brand introduced structured group-exercise formats that now operate in over 100 countries. As mayor, he oversaw the initiation of the America’s Cup Village, the opening of the Sky Tower and SkyCity complex, and introduced green waste bins and water-charge policies, shaping Auckland’s modern urban landscape.
Official Responses
Wayne Brown mourned Mills, a totara. Desley Simpson highlighted his waterfront redevelopment. Nicki Nicol praised his athletic career. Helen Clark called him a contributor to New Zealand’s sport. Phillip Mills noted his drive to help others.
Public Tributes
Facebook commenters praised his demeanor, noting he inspired to pursue fitness and calling him a man who left a legacy.
Verbatim Quotes
“The common thread throughout – whether in fitness, politics or family life – was that he always wanted to help others,” — Phillip Mills, Founder & Executive Director, Les Mills International
“Another totara has fallen. My thoughts are with his family,” — Wayne Brown, Mayor of Auckland
“RIP Les Mills: a major contributor to #NZ through local government, #sport, & business. Les represented NZ in shot put & discus at four Commonwealth Games winning five medals & was in NZ team at four Olympics. He was Auckland Mayor & founder of Les Mills gyms.” — Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
“Gyms and Commonwealth medals aside, he needs to be acknowledged for his work as mayor of Auckland City Council (pre-amalgamation) from 1990 to 1998,” — Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor of Auckland
