Michael Hill named entrepreneur of the year

Jeweller Michael Hill was last night named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2008.

Hill was picked from five candidates to become this year's overall winner. Last month he was announced winner of the masters category.

Chairman of the judging panel David Johnson said the panel was looking for the most rounded entrepreneur who was going to take New Zealand to the world stage.

"We picked Michael because, if you packaged up all the ingredients that would make a highly successful entrepreneur, he just about ticks every box."