Michael Wright

Michael Wright (1937–2012) was a Western Australian businessman and an heir to a fortune derived from iron ore discoveries. His late father, Peter Wright, co-founded Hancock Prospecting and Wright Prospecting with the late Lang Hancock, Gina Rinehart's father. His sister is Angela Bennett.

Mr Wright was born in Western Australia and attended Christ Church Grammar School which was founded by his grandfather Canon McClemans.

He worked in the family business which, from 1983, was separate from the Hancock's share and included media interests and significant property, notably in Las Vegas. In 1991, despite being a teetotaler, he bought the Voyager Estate winery in Margaret River. He sat on the board of governors at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle.

After his father's death in 1985, he inherited $900 million fortune with his sister. In 2010, after years of legal duels, he and his sister received $1 billion from Gina Rinehart after she was legally forced to give up 25 per cent in the Rhodes Ridges iron ore mine 60km west of Newman in the Pilbara.

In 2015, his previously unrecognised daughter Olivia Jacqueline Mead was awarded $25 million after challenging her father’s will. Mr Wright's estate had predominantly gone to his two older daughters, Alexandra Burt and Leonie Baldock, who were involved directly in his business. In his will, Mr Wright made separate provisions for his widow and his son Myles, who had not wanted to participate in the business.