Latest news with #TheHills'
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Michael Hill remembered as a highly intelligent 'visionary'
Sir Michael Hill has been remembered as a "great visionary" after his death at the age of 86 yesterday morning. The founder of Michael Hill Jewellers died at his home in Arrowtown after battling cancer. He was remembered yesterday by friends and colleagues as "highly intelligent", "very philanthropic" and a "great visionary". Sir Michael founded Michael Hill Jewellers in his home city of Whangarei in 1979 — it now has 291 stores spread across New Zealand, Australia and Canada. How he ended up in the business is a testament to the expression, "life begins at 40". Hating school, where he was bullied, he left at the age of 16 with the intention of becoming a concert violinist. Told he had left his run too late, he worked for 23 years in his uncle's jewellery business where he showed his marketing flair by winning an international window-dressing competition. It is also where he met his future wife, Christine, who hailed from England. In 1977, the couple, who by then had children Mark and Emma, lost everything they owned when their newly-built mansion burnt down, though Sir Michael managed to retrieve Christine's jewellery and his violin. That night he wrote on a card: "I'm gonna own my uncle's business or I'm going to leave him and start alone". When his uncle would not sell, he and Christine set up a store nearby, Christine's artistic skills and his own marketing flair — which verged on zany — coming to the fore from their early days. After the chain took off, the family relocated to the Gold Coast before shifting to Queenstown about 1994, after originally going there to learn to ski. They then bought a former deer farm bordering Arrowtown, now known as The Hills, where Sir Michael initially developed a chip-and-putt course before commissioning golf course architect John Darby to turn it into a championship 18-holer. Having been granted three years' rights to host the New Zealand Open, the course opened just in time for the first one in 2007. When the Open was then shifted to Christchurch, Sir Michael held the New Zealand PGA Championship tournament with a pro-am component. In 2014, The Hills and neighbour Millbrook were granted the right to jointly host the New Zealand Open, that tournament also adopting the pro-am format. That arrangement carried on until The Hills' involvement ended in 2020. While he can be credited with saving the New Zealand Open, Sir Michael also initiated a huge event, the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, which has run every two years since 2001 in Queenstown and Auckland. It has launched careers for many young violinists around the world and been rated among the world's foremost violin competitions. Sir Michael, who also hosted many recitals by top classical musicians, revealed his artistic streak by turning The Hills into a sculpture park. He was also a prolific cartoonist, putting out a book of cartoons in 2019, the year he also started producing weekly cartoons for Queenstown's Mountain Scene newspaper. In 2007, he launched plans for 17 bunker homes at The Hills, but abandoned the idea. However, after an agreement in 2023 with the American interests behind the North Island's Tara Iti and Te Arai golf courses, plans are afoot to develop visitor and residential accommodation at The Hills and also expand its golf offering. Sir Michael's many honours included induction into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in 2006, becoming Ernst & Young NZ Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008 and being knighted in 2011. Early this year he hit his first hole-in-one — 72 years after taking up the game — and he and Christine celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Fittingly, that is the diamond anniversary. Former Queenstown mayor Jim Boult said Sir Michael was an enormously valuable member of the community. "He was highly intelligent, always amusing, very philanthropic and enormously interested in the arts." He had been friends with Sir Michael for more than 30 years since he arrived in the Queenstown Lakes district. Sir Michael was a "highly engaging person" to talk with, Mr Boult said. He had a lot of respect and admiration for the fact Sir Michael was a self-made man. New Zealand Open chairman John Hart said Sir Michael was "absolutely crucial" to its success. "I have a long association and huge respect for Sir Michael as a great visionary in business and sport. As a businessman, Sir Michael was very fair. "He was someone who wanted to do things differently and that sort of clicked with me because we were trying to create something different." An obituary will follow.
Scottish Sun
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The Hills' reclusive star returns in sister's TikTok on her wedding day and fans think she looks ‘better than ever'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE HILLS' reclusive star has returned in her sister's TikTok on her wedding day and fans think she looks "better than ever". The gorgeous wedding took place in a stunning mountain setting as the happy pair were surrounded by family. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 The Hills' reclusive star returns in sister's TikTok on her wedding day and fans think she looks better than ever Credit: TikTok/heidimontag 8 Heidi showed off a snippet of her sister getting ready to walk down the aisle Credit: TikTok/heidimontag 8 The loved up couple wed under some light rain Credit: TikTok/heidimontag Reality star Heidi Montag posted an inside look at her sister Holly Wilson's stunning wedding on TikTok. Holly, an addiction recovery specialist is deeply committed to supporting women in becoming empowered leaders of their wellness and recovery journeys. She is a recovering alcoholic, CEO and founder of her own company, and a champion for women. She also appeared as a guest star alongside Heidi and her husband Spencer on the reality show The Hills. But since then Holly has stayed away from the limelight and social media. In the video clip, Heidi shows snippets of Holly getting ready for her wedding as she jokes that it takes her longer to apply makeup because she's "not good at this stuff." Heidi replies: "Actually your lashes look so good." As her sister continues to get ready to walk down the aisle, Heidi then shows off a glimpse of Holly's stunning wedding dress. Before family gathered outside for the wedding ceremony, Heidi also showed fans a glimpse of the happy groom Garrick. Fans were quick to comment on the beautiful post with one writing: "Seeing you two together is the best! Congratulations Holly." Horrifying moment The Hills star Spencer Pratt watches his home with Heidi Montag burn to the ground in LA wildfires Another added: "Rain on your wedding day is a good thing." A third said: "Weddings are so ridiculously overdone and stressful. This was so organic and calm! Like hey I'm getting ready let's have a wedding. Rain? What rain , beautiful. Love this,." Another exclaimed: "How does your sister look the same age as when she was on the hills!" "Agree… This. Both girls are fabulously beautiful," agreed another. While another fan added: "Right? they both look better than ever." Recently, after Heidi got a head start on her sculpted summer body and lost 22 pounds, Spencer told The U.S. Sun it was his turn to turn heads at the beach. Heidi, former star of the MTV show The Hills, started her transformation when she became the face of the supplement brand Hydroxycut. The couple, who also told The U.S. Sun that they share a skincare routine, feel that the best thing about getting on a healthy journey is that they can do it together. 8 Holly looked radiant as she walked down the aisle in a strapless gown Credit: TikTok/heidimontag 8 The pair only had eyes for each other as they wed under some light rain Credit: TikTok/heidimontag 8 Holly was a guest star on the reality show The Hills Credit: Getty 8 Holly has kept out of the limelight since her time on the show Credit: Getty
San Francisco Chronicle
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
The Weeknd at Levi's Stadium: What to know before the Santa Clara concerts
Fresh off a record-breaking seven-night run at Los Angeles County's SoFi Stadium, The Weeknd is set to bring his After Hours Til Dawn tour to Levi's Stadium this week. With more than 200,000 fans attending his Southern California shows alone, the global R&B megasta, born Abel Tesfaye, continues to solidify his place as one of the most dominant live performers of his generation. For Bay Area fans planning to catch the spectacle in Santa Clara on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 8-9, here's what you need to know. How do I get to Levi's Stadium? Levi's Stadium is about 40 miles south of San Francisco and can be reached via Highways 101, 237 and I-880 — though traffic is notoriously bad on event days. Public transportation is highly encouraged. VTA light rail and bus service provide direct connections throughout Santa Clara County. Caltrain riders can transfer to VTA at Mountain View. BART users can switch to VTA at the Milpitas station. Capitol Corridor and ACE trains are options for fans traveling from farther away. Rideshare drop-offs are available near the venue. Bike valet is also offered for cyclists. Where can I park? Who's performing? The Weeknd headlines, supported by opening acts Playboi Carti and Mike Dean. Tickets begin at $73. What's on the setlist? Expect a marathon four-hour performance spanning The Weeknd's career — from breakout hits like 'House of Balloons' and 'The Hills' to newer tracks off his chart-topping 2025 album 'Hurry Up Tomorrow,' including 'São Paulo,' 'Baptized in Fear' and 'Open Hearts.' There may even be a couple of collaborations with Playboi Carti and a nod to Metro Boomin's 'Creepin'.' Can I eat nearby? Dining options near Levi's Stadium are somewhat limited, but the nearby Mercado Shopping Center offers several convenient choices for a quick bite, including In-N-Out Burger, Panda Express, Subway, Pho Hoa and Tomatina. For those seeking a sit-down meal before the show, popular nearby restaurants include Pedro's Restaurant & Cantina at 3935 Freedom Circle, El Torito at 2950 Lakeside Drive, and Birk's Restaurant at 3955 Freedom Circle. Two additional upscale options — Puesto and Il Fornaio — are both located at 2752 Augustine Drive. Inside the stadium, fans will find around two dozen cashless concession stands serving local favorites such as Super Duper Burgers, Slice House Pizza and Starbird. For those carrying cash, reverse ATMs are available to convert it to a prepaid card. What's the bag policy? Only clear bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches are permitted. Small clutch bags, no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches, are allowed. There are no lockers, so pack light. What items are prohibited? Skip the signs, banners, glow sticks, selfie sticks and light-up outfits. Power banks and phone charging cases are allowed. Can I tailgate? No. Tailgating and loitering without a ticket are not allowed in stadium lots. What's the weather forecast? Expect mostly clear skies, with highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s. Pack sunscreen for the daytime and a light jacket for the cooler nights, which are expected to dip in the mid-50s. With a sprawling 68,500-seat capacity — and the ability to expand to 75,000 — Levi's Stadium is bracing for a weekend of spectacle, sound and stardom. Just don't be surprised if the lines at In-N-Out stretch longer than the setlist. The Weeknd After Hours Til Dawn 2025 setlist Here's the full setlist for The Weeknd's After Hours Til Dawn 2025 tour, as performed during his recent shows at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. 'The Abyss' 'Wake Me Up' 'After Hours' 'Starboy' 'Heartless' 'Faith' (performed during the outro of 'Heartless') 'Take My Breath' 'Sacrifice' (Swedish House Mafia Remix) 'How Do I Make You Love Me?' 'Can't Feel My Face' 'Lost in the Fire' (Gesaffelstein & The Weeknd) 'Kiss Land' (shortened) 'Often' 'Given Up on Me' 'I Was Never There' 'Given Up on Me' (reprise) 'The Hills' 'Baptized in Fear' 'Open Hearts' 'Cry for Me' 'I Can't F—ng Sing' 'São Paulo' 'Until We're Skin & Bones' 'Timeless' (with Playboi Carti) 'Rather Lie' (with Playboi Carti) 'Creepin'' (Metro Boomin cover) 'Niagara Falls' 'One of the Girls' 'Stargirl Interlude' 'Out of Time' 'I Feel It Coming' 'Die for You' 'Is There Someone Else?' 'Wicked Games' 'Call Out My Name' 'The Morning' 'Save Your Tears' 'Less Than Zero' 'Blinding Lights' 'Without a Warning' 'Reflections Laughing' 'High for This' 'House of Balloons' 'Moth to a Flame' (Swedish House Mafia & The Weeknd)
Boston Globe
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
At Gillette, the Weeknd made his case for being the reigning male artist in pop music
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up On Tuesday night at Gillette, Tesfaye continued the heavy lifting, piling platinum songs atop diamond singles during the first of two nights in town for his 'After Hours 'Til Dawn Stadium Tour.' The current slew of shows toasts the artist's last three records: 'After Hours,' 'Dawn FM,' and this year's release, 'Hurry Up Tomorrow,' all chapters of a trilogy that Tesfaye has been fleshing out since 2020. Advertisement The Weeknd performs at Gillette Stadium. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff 'I said, 'next time I come back, we're doing this [expletive] twice,'' Tesfaye said, referencing a thought from his one-show visit to Foxborough in 2022. Advertisement If manifesting Such supersized production elements could only be dwarfed by the magnitude of Tesfaye's catalog. While the evening focused largely on material from the aforementioned trilogy of albums, all seven of the artist's No. 1 songs surfaced throughout the night. Most notably, 'The Hills' set the catwalk ablaze with timed pyrotechnics as Tesfaye prowled through the hedonistic hit, and he later transformed the fluttering synths of 'Die For You' into a touching devotional for the crowd. And while era-defining chart-toppers like 'Can't Feel My Face' or 'Blinding Lights' would have been natural choices for an ecstatic finale, Tesfaye offered the two dance songs earlier in the set, and instead chose to stick the landing with a smaller hit, the Swedish House Mafia collab 'Moth To A Flame' ('smaller' here meaning it boasts 'only' one billion Spotify streams). 'Like a moth to a flame, I'll pull you in, I pulled you back to what you need initially,' he sang, harnessing the devotion that earned him two consecutive shows at Gillette – and could very well earn him a third on his next tour. Your move, Sheeran. THE WEEKND Advertisement With Playboi Carti and Mike Dean At Gillette Stadium, Tuesday
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Love Island's Olivia Hawkins and Too Hot to Handle star Louis Russell are 'all over each other' as pair break show rules by 'growing close' on Celebs Go Dating
Love Island: All Stars ' Olivia Hawkins has 'grown close' to former Too Hot to Handle contestant Louis Russell during filming of Celebs Go Dating. The pair have broken show rules by being 'all over each other' in Ibiza, where the cast, which includes Kerry Katona and Christine McGuinness are currently shooting the new season. MailOnline understands the reality pair have become each other's love interests despite the premise of the series being for celebrities to date contestants who aren't famous. According to a TV source, Olivia, 29, who starred on Love Island in 2023 before returning for the All Stars series earlier this year, has fallen for Louis, known for his appearances on Netflix 's Too Hot to Handle. They aren't the first couple to break the show's rules after Lottie Moss and Adam Collard started dating after being cast on the same season in 2023. Joey Essex also romanced The Hills' Stephanie Pratt after they met during filming and Made In Chelsea's Sophie Hermann hooked up with DJ Tom Zanetti. A TV insider revealed: 'Olivia and Russell are all over each other. 'It's only been days since filming for Celebs Go Dating started in Ibiza but they're already so close. 'They are very much each other's types and the attraction was instant, it's just not ideal for producers. 'The show has become famous for celebrities hooking up instead of forming long-lasting relationships with the contestants, which is the whole point.' After starring on Too Hot to Handle, the Netflix show which challenges contestants who are afraid to commit to in relationships change their ways, on two separate occasions, Louis claims he's finally ready for a 'real partner.' He said of joining the dating agency, which is overseen by relationship expert Paul C. Brunson and Anna Williamson: 'I'm really excited to join the agency... it feels like a fresh start for me in dating. I'm ready to move away from hookups and focus on finding a real partner.' This year's singletons on Celebs Go Dating include Christine, who will be exploring romantic connections with men and women, former S Club 7 singer Jon Lee, and Kerry, who previously featured on the show in 2019. Mother-of-three Christine, who hasn't publicly dated since her separation from TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, has signed up to the programme to help pay for the ex-couple's costly divorce. MailOnline has contacted Celebs Go Dating and Olivia's spokesperson for comment. After starring on Too Hot to Handle, the Netflix show which challenges contestants who are afraid to commit to in relationships change their ways, on two separate occasions, Louis claims he's finally ready for a 'real partner' Like Louis, Olivia has also struggled to find a partner despite two appearances on Love Island. The influencer, who says she has never had a boyfriend, dated former Blazin' Squad star Marcel Somerville during her appearance on the All Stars series but their romances was short-lived. She had a flirtatious connection with co-star Luca Bish but their attraction didn't lead to anything. In an interview with MailOnline before her stint on Love Island: All Stars, Olivia said: 'Since the show, my dating has actually got worse. 'I haven't been on many dates, I have focused on myself, and I have always been an independent person, for a long time and throughout my 20s but it's definitely the right time, I'm ready to settle down now. 'I do find it hard to let people in, it's hard to trust people but I am starting to let my walls down a bit, and I feel ready to start letting people in.'
