Born in 1943 he was raised in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, and educated at Hutt Valley High School where he first discovered he had a talent for art. However, it was not until he was in his early thirties that he he took up painting seriously. He believes that his unique and individual style is due in part to being self-taught.

During his three decades of professional painting, Mike has exhibited widely in New Zealand, UK, Australia and the USA, including with the five artists group. He has assisted and encouraged new artists through tutoring classes and weekend schools.

In 2001 Mike and Di decided to acept an offer from Fosters to take over the Estate as they had a desire to travel, to spend more time with their grandchildren and, of course, to paint.