Michael KENNY Obituary

Watching the Halberg Awards 2025 this evening I was so saddened to see in the sports obituaries that Michael Kenny had passed away last July.
I was working in administration at the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
Michael was a standout most lovely, humble, warm young men, with those gentle qualities it was hard to imagine he was a Comm Champian Heavyweight boxer that went on to be an Olympian Boxer. A most wonderful memorable human and example. My sincere condolences to Michael's wife & children.

Sorry i missed your sendoff mate ,be good to see your dad and say hi to mine ,Sorry i didnt keep in touch .

Mike was one of those special people you may come across in life if you're lucky -no matter how briefly- who can make a big difference in people's lives. My condolences to all his family. JD

I worked with Michael for a brief period many years ago. He was a GREAT guy ... Just a true, salt-of-the-earth, genuine, character. He was incredibly proud of his family and spoke about them often. My thoughts are with his loved ones.

Our deepest sympathies Maria, Ariana, Isaac & family. We are thinking of you all. Mike was such a great guy.

Maria, Ariana and Isaac,
So very sorry to hear about your sad loss, thinking of you all.
The Newman Family

Wishing you peace and healing as you mourn the loss of your beloved Mike.

Deeply sorry to hear about your recent loss Maria and family. Thinking of you at this difficult time.

Our deepest condolences to Maria and whanau. It was moving to be able to pay our respects yesterday surrounded by work colleagues and mutual friends. The connections you have both made are certainly wide reaching. We are always there for you. Amy, Grant and the boys

It hit me hard when I heard about Mike's sudden passing. He was a dear friend, a boxing champ, and a true NZ sports icon who left us way too soon.

Mike's life was all about his incredible talent and unwavering humility. We met through boxing, a sport where Mike's skills were legendary long before we trained together for the 1990 Commonwealth Games. I was always in awe of his dedication and self belief, but it was his humility that really shone through. No matter how busy he was, Mike always took the time to genuinely connect with everyone around him, a trait that made him so special to everyone who knew him.

Mike had this amazing way of making everyone feel important. My mom was especially fond of him, often mentioning how thoughtful he was. She was one of the first to tell me about his passing, showing just how much of an impact he had on those around him.

After his Commonwealth Games success, Mike took on and conquered in the banking world during his time in London. When I visited him and Maria, I saw firsthand his larger-than-life personality and infectious confidence. Despite his success, he always stayed grounded and made sure not to overshadow others.

Mike's intelligence was just as impressive as his humility. He had this incredible breadth of knowledge and could always share his opinions without offending anyone. We could talk for hours, solving the world's problems. Whether he was serenading us with Elvis Presley love songs or belting out "Roxanne" by The Police during karaoke, Mike's presence was truly one of a kind.

Rest in peace, Mike. You'll always be remembered by those who knew and loved you. Your kindness, humility, and friendship will never be forgotten. And up there, please give Mike Bell a hand with his resume.

AB's v France Nov 95 Paris
Jonah v Ntamack Mike & Maria RIP Big Fella
Love Bruce & Tina McT

Mike made a great impression on me and others, as we were fortunate enough to have him join us at Tawa college. His charasmatic smile and gentle giant, engaging approach made a great impression to all who were fortunate enough to connect with Mike. A kauri of a man in stature and character, I wish to acknowledge my appreciation of knowing you Mike and give my best wishes to his whanau.
Kia kaha Braden Eustace

It hit me hard when I heard about Mike's sudden passing. He was a dear friend, a boxing champ, and a true NZ sports icon who left us way too soon.

Mike's life was all about his incredible talent and unwavering humility. We met through boxing, a sport where Mike's skills were legendary long before we trained together for the 1990 Commonwealth Games. I was always in awe of his dedication and self belief, but it was his humility that really shone through. No matter how busy he was, Mike always took the time to genuinely connect with everyone around him, a trait that made him so special to everyone who knew him.

Mike had this amazing way of making everyone feel important. My mom was especially fond of him, often mentioning how thoughtful he was. She was one of the first to tell me about his passing, showing just how much of an impact he had on those around him.

After his Commonwealth Games success, Mike took on and conquered in the banking world during his time in London. When I visited him and Maria, I saw firsthand his larger-than-life personality and infectious confidence. Despite his success, he always stayed grounded and made sure not to overshadow others.

Mike's intelligence was just as impressive as his humility. He had this incredible breadth of knowledge and could always share his opinions without offending anyone. We could talk for hours, solving the world's problems. Whether he was serenading us with Elvis Presley love songs or belting out "Roxanne" by The Police during karaoke, Mike's presence was truly one of a kind.

Rest in peace, Mike. You'll always be remembered by those who knew and loved you. Your kindness, humility, and friendship will never be forgotten. And up there, please give Mike Bell a hand with his resume.

Pretty Shocked and sad to hear of Mike's Passing. We first met on the athletics track playing around as High Jumpers. It helped a lot both being scrawny lanky dudes, I guess. Mike was at Viard College but later moved to Tawa College where we used our lankiness to show off in the school basketball team. Mike, John Knowles and I spent all pre-game warmups Slam Dunking to try and scare the opposition!
Upon leaving school we figured out I was better to stick to High Jump and he was the Gun Boxer.
I made the Brisbane Comm Games in 1982 and although Mike was NZs best Heavyweight, he was considered a bit young for the games in that division and wasn't picked. He went on the Commonwealth Champs in 1983 (Still a teen) and cleaned up! He then became an Olympian in 84' which sealed his "Legend Status" amongst the Boys.
in 1990 we both went to the home Auckland Comm Games. The Boys from Tawa, soaking up the Glory and doing the Black Singlet proud! Watching Mike win the Gold live was an experience I'll never forget. It was awesome.
I haven't seen Mike in years as we end up in different cities doing different things, but you never forget the good times.
I know the guy he always was, Humble, proud and just an all-round lovely bloke. All my best wishes go to Maria, Ariana, Isaac and the Kenny whole Whanau at this time. Celebrate Mike, as we all will. It hurts a lot, but he will always be with you.
I'm sure his dad is waiting for the next Spa session with his Boy.

Pretty shocked and saddened to hear of Mike´s passing. We first met on the track and field HJ runway, Mike was at Viard College and I was at Tawa. I turned out a better High Jumper and he became a Champion Boxer. He moved to Tawa College in his last years and we played in the College Basketball Team where Mike, myself and John Knowles were always slam dunking in pre game warm ups to try freaking out the opposition.
A year out of school 1982 I made the Brisbane Commonwealth Games High Jumping and although Mike was the best NZ Heavyweight he was considered a bit young to box in that division for those games. The next year he competed in the Commonwealth Boxing champs (still a Teen) and cleaned up! Then he became an Olympian and always a legend in our eyes.
Mike and I teamed up in the home Comm Games Auckland 1990. It was Awesome watching his Gold Medal performances first hand ,I´ll never forget that.
I hadn´t seen Mike in years but those memories are crystal clear and he wouldn´t have changed a bit from the guy I knew. I´m sad that he´s not with us but take comfort that his dad is ready for the next spa session with him.
All my condolences go to Maria, Ariana, Isaac and the Kenny Whanau at this time , best wishes celebrating Mike today.
Kia Kaha

Shocked and sad to hear of your passing Michael. Always hoped that one day I would come across you somehow, to thank you for bringing much joy to our family shortly after moving to NZ and facing very tough times, when we watched you win Gold at Auckland in 1990. Reading about your humbleness and how you doted on your wife and kids, brings me much joy again....tinged with sadness that I could not look you up in person to say thanks. Much love and condolences to the Kenny whanau. Rest in peace sir.

To the Kenny clan. Very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. Have lots of fond memories of him amd Sam back in the early 90s. Mike was a gentle giant whose personality and charisma always shone through which made it even harder for me to believe he was a champ in the squared circle.RIP from Gene Su'a and family

My sincere condolences and sympathy to the Kenny family.
I am saddened to have read Michael's Obituary.
Thanks to those who shared photographs of Michael in their messages it was pleasant to have seen Michael enjoying life with family and friends.
I first met Michael in 1981 after relocating from Nelson. Not knowing anyone Michael kindly befriended me, and we often practised basketball together at the Porirua Recreation Centre.
I reflect on these times and others as enjoyable life chapters, and I pray that God will grant you strength during this time and in our next chapters.
Rest in Peace Michael.

Maria, Ariana and Isaac, we are extremely sad to hear of Mike's passing. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Much love from the Bly family

A great mate. Hacky sack king. Married well. Will miss you mate, some great memories.

Maria, we want to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this time .Sending all our love and strength to you .

All our love Jarrid , Katie and baby Emily xxx

Maria, Ariana, Isaac and all the Kenny family. I was very upset to hear of Mike´s passing; I´ve been thinking of you all so much since. I have some fond memories of Mike, dinner parties and rugby games over the road, and when we carpooled into Wellington for work (way back in ~2004/5, stopping to swim at Porirua pool in the way! Sending you all much love and aroha. Take care, Kate xxx

Dear Maria, Ariana, Isaac, Diana & all the Kenny clan. Such devastating news to hear of Michael´s death. He was larger than life to all of us. Michael stood for courage & integrity in all he did & most importantly he loved his family with fierce intensity
Love `Big´ Michael & Frances

Condolences from our Family.

Sincere condolences and love to the Kenny family. Mike was a kind person and one of the first few people I met in NZ. Man of word, principles, conscience and a thorough gentleman. Exceptional personality. Will be missed dearly.

I'm terribly sorry to hear this news Maria and thinking of you and your family. Take care. Bevan

Sending our love to you all, remembering Mike for the great man he was. Our last visit with Mike and Kora xx

Our deepest sympathies to the Kenny family Micheal was a great asset to the sport of boxing and a real gentleman ,sad to hear of his passing. Jack and Marguerite Plowman ( former Wellington and Hutt Valley Boxing)

Shocked to hear of Mike's passing, I have great memories of training alongside Mike at the Porirua Boxing Club and our great love for representing NZ and our local region in boxing.

Keith Bullock

Dear Maria, Ariana, Isaac, Diana and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Michael was a great person to be around and to have known and will be sadly missed by all.

Michael, You were always the sportsperson I would have loved to have been. A good strong moral conscience and focused on helping the younger generation from the outset. We will try to continue your legacy and always a friend. Arohanui, Mark Hudson and your UK friends. Aroha to Maria and Family and Friends.

Condolences and much love to the Kenny family. Mike was a larger-than-life character, had some great times, and he'd always share his love of everything he was invested in. But most of all, he'd always shared his love of Maria and his children Ariana and Isaac.

Was very sad to hear of his passing. He'll always talk about silver, but as much as he loved silver, the man truly had a heart of gold.

Manuia lou malaga Mike
Much luv from mine to yours xoxo

So shocked and sad to hear of Mikes passing. Gone too soon. A great workmate and a friend who always brought a smile and a laugh into the room. Thoughts and love to Maria and the family.
Kia kaha

So sorry for your loss Maria and family, my thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Shane Finn xx

Such sad news.
Condolences to the Kenny whanau/family, sending our aroha from the O'Gorman whanau x

So Sad to hear Mike's passing, we were good friends late 80's early 90's . Great fun those days lot's of stories & laughs. When we both ended up in London became closer. And then he met Maria. Both coming to our wedding & we went to there's a couple of years later at Chelsea Harbour . A lovely couple made in Heaven. As person & sportsman Mike was a humble person who would light up a room whenever he walked into a room.

RIP Bruce McTavish & Tina McTavish (Mark Hudson & Kenny MacDonald give their condolences from the UK)

Our thoughts are with Maria, Ariana & Isaac on this sad Day.

Love Bruce & Tina

Great times together at Tawa College. Great times shared watching you Mike at the Comm Games in Auckland. Great times catching up in London, pints and dinner. Great times working in the same building on the Terrace in Wellington. Gonna miss you Mikey. ~Tod Cabrey.

I´m so shocked. Mike and I were mates at Uni and had some really fun times. Such a character. Hadn´t seen Mike much over the last 20+ years but we caught up we always had a great catch up. Sending my condolences to Mike´s family. RIP mate you will be so missed

Such a shock to hear of Michael´s passing. My thoughts are with all the family at this sad time. Vicki Mathers ( Lilley)

My thoughts and prayers are with Michael´s family at this sad time.
Michael was an amazing human and I still remember many of our deep discussions on all aspects of life while working together all those years ago.
Rest in peace Michael.

Dear Maria, Ariana and Isaac.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michael had such a quiet presence. It was so evident how proud he was of you all. He loved you all so much.
A mighty kauri has fallen.
Our aroha to you all.
It was so good to see Michael at Michelle's birthday.
Take care. Trish and Trevor.

To the Kenny family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Michael's passing, my heart goes out to you all.
Mark Humphreys

Maria, Ariana + Isaac. Please know our thoughts are with you all, with the sad loss of a very special man in your lives. Please know we enjoyed knowing Michael, through our friends and your neighbours, BJ + Bruce.
Trevor + Heather.

We grew up together as kids on paenui street in Titahi Bay then my dad and his dad started up Titahi Bay boxing club where 1st started at training at his dad house in Elsdon going miss him we had some good sparring matches good times growing up in the Titahi Bay

Diana, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this sad time. Take care my friend and know I am thinking of you. Love and hugs, Cathy

Maria, Ariana and Isaac, we know how much Mike meant to you, and how much you all meant to him. We were really upset when we heard of his passing, and although we won't be able to make the funeral, we will have been, and will be thinking of you all, in what is obviously a really heartbreaking and tough time. Our thoughts are with you. All our love to you.

We were good mates at school around 76-78. We used to box and muck around down elsdon. Condolences RIP Michael. Glen milgate

Sincere sympathy to Marie, Ariana, Issac and Mike´s family.
Such a great guy.
Lots of love Dianne xx

I´m going to miss the big fella, he was one of a kind. R.I.P buddy!