"He really cared about all the communities in Auckland," said Phillip Mills.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee recognized Mills as an incredibly respected figure within the nation's sports history.
"Les Mills set a standard for what it takes to represent New Zealand at the Olympic and Commonwealth games," said Nicki Nicol, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
The sporting organization emphasized that his contributions remain firmly rooted in the athletic narrative of the country.
"His place in New Zealand’s Olympic history is firmly established and no doubt his legacy will continue to inspire," said Nicki Nicol.
Following his political career, Mills mentored athletes and supported charities.
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He earned a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1973, a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002, and an induction into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in 2022.
