Committed to the future of the arts in Aotearoa, New Zealand, the Hill Family Foundation for Arts and Music exists to encourage the appreciation of fine music and proudly showcase the talents and works of New Zealand musicians and artists. It recognises and rewards excellence, and advances the education of young New Zealanders.

The Foundation is an umbrella organisation made up of five initiatives (outlined below) that are presented respectively across three-year cycles, each in pursuit of enabling, encouraging, supporting, presenting and celebrating New Zealand art.

Committed to the future of the arts in Aotearoa, New Zealand, the Hill Family Foundation for Arts and Music exists to encourage the appreciation of fine music and to proudly showcase the talents and works of New Zealand musicians and artists. It recognises and rewards excellence, and advances the education of young New Zealanders.

The Foundation is an umbrella organisation made up of five initiatives (outlined below) that are presented respectively across three-year cycles, each in pursuit of enabling, encouraging, supporting, presenting and celebrating New Zealand art.

Michael Hill International Violin Competition
29 May – 6 June, 2026 Queenstown and Auckland

The Michael Hill International Violin Competition stands for excellence, opportunity, integrity and transformation. It is the launchpad for violin virtuosos – the foundation stone of brilliant musical careers. With a prize package valued at over NZ$100,000 the ‘Michael Hill’ shapes the artistry of 16 of the world’s finest young violinists. The 2023 Competition attracted 160 applicants and over 1.3m online audiences. 29 May – 6 June 2026, Queenstown and Auckland

The Winner’s Tour
Across New Zealand, 2027
In partnership with Chamber Music New Zealand and Auckland Philharmonia

The Winner’s Tour, presented the year following the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, is where the first prize winner has an opportunity to grow their performance experience and build their artistic muscle by delighting and inspiring audiences across the country.

National String Competition
Auckland, New Zealand

In the service of New Zealand’s talented high-performance young musicians, the National String Competition is delivered alongside the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition to showcase the country’s next generation of classical music.

Whakatipu Music Festival
Queenstown, New Zealand

The Whakatipu Music Festival showcases extraordinary music from international guests, Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading musicians, emerging artists and local talent, workshopping and performing outstanding classical, jazz, singer-songwriting, Broadway hits and more. Brought to life by a local workforce, the festival supports and stimulates the arts, cultural and events scene n the Queenstown region and is a treasure for the community and the whole of Aotearoa.

The Instrument Bank 

The Instrument Bank is an initiative that matches string instruments with young Kiwi musicians who are in need of instruments that will springboard them to the next level of their music education, yet often lack access and the resource to make the necessary financial investment. The initiative runs year-round and nationwide.