Les Mills, New Zealand Olympian and Global Fitness Pioneer, Dies Aged 91
Leslie Roy Mills, the New Zealand athlete, businessman and former Auckland mayor who founded the Les Mills gym chain and helped shape modern fitness worldwide, has died at the age of 91. He passed away peacefully on the morning of 29 June 2026.
His family and the company he founded confirmed the news, describing him as a versatile sportsman, successful business owner, inspiring leader and Kiwi icon whose contributions spanned sport, fitness, local government and society.
A Life Rooted in Auckland
Born on 1 November 1934 in Auckland, Mills grew up in a city that would later become the centre of his athletic, business and political life. He lost his father at the age of 11, an early hardship that shaped his resilience and drive. From a young age he showed promise in track and field events, particularly the discus throw and shot put.
His early involvement in sport laid the foundation for a career that would see him represent New Zealand on the international stage while also building one of the country’s most recognisable fitness brands.
Olympic and Commonwealth Games Achievements
Mills competed for New Zealand at multiple Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games. He earned medals at the Commonwealth Games in Kingston in 1966 and Edinburgh in 1970, excelling in both discus and shot put. His athletic career highlighted New Zealand’s strength in field events during that era and brought national pride to the country.
Colleagues and contemporaries remember him as a dedicated competitor who balanced rigorous training with a growing interest in community health and physical activity.
Founding the Les Mills Gyms
In 1968, Mills and his late wife Colleen opened their first gym in Auckland. Colleen, herself a world-class track and field athlete, played a central role in the early days of the business. What began as a single facility grew into a nationwide chain that introduced many New Zealanders to structured fitness programmes.
The couple’s vision emphasised accessible, community-focused exercise at a time when commercial gyms were still relatively new in the country. Their approach helped popularise aerobics and group fitness classes across New Zealand.
Expansion into a Global Brand
The success of the original gyms inspired the next generation. Their son Phillip, together with partner Jackie, established Les Mills International, taking the brand’s group fitness programmes to gyms around the world. The company became known for choreographed workout formats that combined music, motivation and structured routines, influencing fitness trends on multiple continents.
Today the Les Mills name is synonymous with innovative fitness programming used by thousands of facilities globally, a direct legacy of the foundations laid in Auckland decades earlier.
Photo by Lee Lawson on Unsplash
Public Service as Auckland Mayor
Beyond sport and business, Mills served as Mayor of Auckland, contributing to local government during a period of significant urban development. His time in office reflected a commitment to community wellbeing that aligned with his lifelong advocacy for physical activity and healthy living.
He received the honours of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in recognition of his services to sport, business and public life.
Family and Personal Legacy
Mills is survived by his children Phillip and Donna, grandchildren including Diana, Les Jr, Gabriel and Moana, and many great-grandchildren. His wife Colleen passed away in 2005. Family statements have highlighted his achievements across multiple fields and the enduring impact of his work on fitness culture.
Those close to him describe a man who balanced high achievement with a genuine interest in helping others improve their health and quality of life.
Tributes from Across New Zealand and Beyond
Following the announcement, tributes have come from the fitness industry, sporting organisations, former colleagues and members of the public. Many have referred to him as the “founding father of fitness” in New Zealand, crediting him with transforming how the country approaches exercise and wellbeing.
Les Mills International issued a statement noting his peaceful passing and the profound legacy he leaves behind. Media outlets including the New Zealand Herald, Stuff and international publications have covered the news extensively.
Impact on New Zealand’s Fitness Landscape
The growth of the Les Mills gyms changed the face of fitness in New Zealand, making structured classes and professional training environments available to a broad audience. The brand’s emphasis on group exercise helped shift public attitudes toward regular physical activity as an integral part of daily life.
His work also supported the development of a local fitness industry that continues to thrive, with many instructors and facility operators tracing their professional roots back to the original Les Mills facilities.
The Enduring Global Reach
Through Les Mills International the influence of the original Auckland gyms extended far beyond New Zealand’s shores. The company’s programmes are now delivered in gyms across dozens of countries, reaching millions of participants each week. This international expansion stands as one of the most visible outcomes of Mills’ early vision.
Industry observers note that the structured, music-driven format pioneered under the Les Mills name helped standardise group fitness offerings worldwide.
Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash
Looking Ahead
While the founder has passed, the organisations he established continue to operate and evolve. Les Mills New Zealand gyms and the international arm remain active, carrying forward the commitment to accessible, high-quality fitness experiences that defined his career.
His story serves as a reminder of how individual initiative in sport and business can create lasting cultural and economic contributions at both national and global levels.