One of New Zealand’s most successful international models, Kirsty Lay, dies aged 64

One of New Zealand’s most successful international models, known for her “movie star smile”, has died. Kirsty Lay, also known as Smith, was 64. She is survived by her children, Holly and Max, her father John, her siblings and partner, Wayne.

A family notice said Lay died peacefully on Monday. 

Lay won the television modelling competition Revlon Face of the Eighties, and worked as a model in New York for much of that decade, represented by elite agency Ford Models.

She was later an owner of the Exposure Model Agency.

Known in business circles as Kirsty Smith, she co-owned Skydive Queenstown Limited Group – operating as NZONE Skydive Queenstown and Skydive Paradise – with her former husband, Steve, and another couple.

The group sold the business to an Australian company in 2016 for $17 million.

In a five-part documentary series titled The Model Diaries, directed by photographer Neil Gussey, Lay was interviewed about her career in fashion.

“When I won The Face of the 80s I was totally surprised … it was kind of strange because I felt like a fish out of water, and when they said you are the Face of the 80s, my mouth fell [open]... I lost the plot,” she said.

“I think there was an advantage that I hadn’t modelled because there was a slight naivety that was there … an innocence … and that probably helped me along the way.”

She said during her time modelling she was “excited” but “scared”.

“There were things I was scared of – but took everything in my stride,” she said.

“Because you had to … had a chance and I either took it or I didn’t.

“If I could go back and do it again, I would absolutely do it – I mean, it was just like the best experience I’ve had in my life … it was so much fun, it was so good, it was so thought-provoking and so developmental for me.”

Lay had advice for other aspiring models.

“If you’ve got the guts to take it on, the world’s your oyster,” she said.

Details of Lay’s funeral have not yet been published.

Tributes have been posted online for the former model.

“Kirsty will be remembered for the warmth, kindness and special presence she brought into the lives of those around her,” said a friend.

“Her passing has come as a terrible shock, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.”

Another friend said Lay had a “movie star smile”.

“Your light, kindness and love will live on in our hearts forever.”