Millbrook Resort has today announced death of founder Mr Eiichi Ishii

Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort, on behalf of the Ishii family, has announced the death of founder Mr Eiichi Ishii in Tokyo, following a short illness. Mr Ishii, 80, passed away on the evening of July 24, 2019.

Mr Ishii and the family have owned Millbrook since 1987 and his vision and leadership has turned Millbrook into the world-renowned luxury lifestyle resort that it is today.

The resort went from strength to strength under his leadership, co-hosting and underwriting New Zealand’s premier men’s golf tournament, the New Zealand Open.

His dedication to Millbrook and golf culminated in being acknowledged in the New Years Honours list of 2016 as an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of his services to New Zealand-Japanese relations, golf and tourism.

A heartfelt letter from the then Prime Minister Sir John Key thanked Mr Ishii for his work, saying he had “made an outstanding contribution to the success of New Zealand as a nation and enriched the lives of us all.”

"The New Zealand Open is extremely fortunate to have benefitted from Mr Ishii’s long-term commitment to Millbrook and the New Zealand Open, and we are extremely sad to hear news of his passing," said John Hart, Chairman of the New Zealand Open Organising Committee.

"We remain forever grateful for his strong strategic vision and support over recent years, without which the tournament would not be in the healthy position it is now.

"He was a warm and wonderful man, and everyone involved in the New Zealand Open event will, I’m sure, join me in passing our condolences to his wife Mrs Hiroko Ishii, daughter Yuki and son Gota and wider family."