Les Mills Snr, the four-time Olympic athlete, former Auckland mayor, and founder of the international Les Mills gym chain, died peacefully at 3:30 a.
m. on Monday, June 29, 2026.
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He was 91.
His family confirmed that he passed away surrounded by loved ones after his health declined suddenly on Sunday.
Born Leslie Roy Mills in New Lynn in 1934, he represented New Zealand in shot put and discus at four Olympic Games between 1960 and 1972.
He also won five Commonwealth Games medals, including a discus gold in Jamaica in 1966.
After his athletic career, Mills entered local politics and served three terms as Auckland's mayor from 1990 to 1998.
His son, Phillip Mills, who now runs the global business, spoke to RNZ's Afternoons program about his father's final moments.
"We went around and sort of said our goodbyes, not expecting him to go immediately. But he passed away peacefully at 3.30 in the morning," Phillip said.
The family also released a statement on Instagram, honoring Mills as a Kiwi icon who made an impact across multiple fields.
"Dad was immensely strong, driven, and always cared deeply for the less advantaged," Phillip said.
Phillip noted that his father's early life shaped his resilience. Mills had to care for his family after his own father died when he was 11.
He viewed fitness centers as community sanctuaries.
"He left a lasting impression on everyone he met, and his spirit lives on in gym workouts around the world, continuing to help people fall in love with fitness," Phillip said.
