Tributes flow for North Shore businessman and mentor Bill Smale

North Shore businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist Bill Smale QSM has died, aged 74.

William Huston Smale, known to family and friends as Bill, died at home on July 6, according to an online death notice published by his family.

He leaves behind partner Shayne, his children Jacqueline and Jason, and grandchildren Vera, Audrey, Jessica, Aston and Cameron.

Along with his siblings, Smale owned Smales Farm on Auckland’s North Shore, a commercial precinct home to offices, hospitality businesses and community spaces.

The multimillion-dollar project solidified the family’s place on the NBR rich list.

During the Covid-19 level 4 lockdown in 2020, the Smales provided 100% rent relief to the precinct’s retail and hospitality tenants, with a spokesperson saying they wanted to help businesses survive the unprecedented disruption.

Smale was also known for his commitment to education, particularly through his long association with Westlake Boys High School.

The school paid tribute to the former student on Facebook, describing him as “one of our great Westlakers”.

“Having spent decades involved in business education and youth entrepreneurship, Bill believed students learned best by doing.

“He wanted young people to experience the challenges, risks and rewards of starting something themselves.”

Smale founded the school’s entrepreneurial business programme Openground in 2022, a legacy the school said had provided students with opportunities to develop ideas and learn business skills.

The scheme is credited with developing young business leaders and has now been expanded to other schools across the country.

“He was a man of action whose vision and generosity will continue to inspire future generations of Westlake students“, the school wrote.

Members of the school community shared heartfelt tributes in the comments, remembering Smale as a mentor and champion of young people.

“Thank you for being the man you were”, one commenter wrote. “Generous, determined, colourful, visionary and always upbeat with a quick and cheeky wit...what a wonderful and unique human you were.”

“A great man, a legend. Always interested in people and encouraging others to be the best they can“, another said.

A celebration of Smale’s life will be held on July 25 in the Westlake Boys High School auditorium.