Sir Bob Jones: A man, who lived on his own terms, dies aged 85

Sir Robert (Bob) Jones, the outspoken property magnate, political disruptor, and defender of personal liberty, has died at the age of 85. He passed away peacefully at home on Friday (May 2), surrounded by loved ones, after a brief illness.

Born in Lower Hutt on November 24, 1939, Jones rose from humble beginnings in state housing to become one of New Zealand’s richest men. His property empire spans New Zealand, Australia, and Scotland. By 2019, his holdings were valued at over $2 billion.

A former boxer and university dropout, Jones founded Robt. Jones Holdings Ltd in 1964. His contrarian instincts guided his business strategy: “When others were selling, he would buy,” said a close associate. He was known for his sharp judgment and market foresight.


Jones was also involved in politics and formed the New Zealand Party in 1983 to challenge the Robert Muldoon government’s economic controls. Although his party never entered Parliament, it split the conservative vote and contributed to Labour’s landslide win in 1984.

“He was always interested in what was happening, but he had his own point of view,” said former Wellington mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast.

Jones was infamous for a 1985 incident in which he punched TVNZ journalist Rod Vaughan during a fly-fishing trip. The episode became one of New Zealand's most talked-about television moments. When fined $1,000, he quipped to the judge, “Can I pay $2,000 to do it again?”

Though often polarizing, Jones also quietly supported social causes. He helped fund legal campaigns like that of Teina Pora, who was wrongfully imprisoned for over two decades. Private investigator Tim McKinnel said, “He was incredibly generous, both financially and morally… and never asked for recognition.”

Wellington businesswoman Rosemary Bradford recalled his sharp wit until the end. “He was going to start a new political party—the Cone Party—because he was outraged by all the road cones in the country.”

Tributes have described Jones as both “difficult and charming,” a man of contradictions who remained fiercely independent. His humor, billboard mischief, and deeply held ideological beliefs made him one of New Zealand’s most memorable public figures.