Tributes flow for North Shore businessman and mentor Bill Smale

Stuff2026-07-10T07:08:29.000Z

Another wealthy bloke gets a nice obituary. What about all the small business owners struggling to pay rent? Typical Stuff prioritising the elite.

Sage Lawson2026-07-10T07:37:29.000Z

get stuffed mate. he literally mentored dozens of free. your negativity helps no one

Sage Lawson2026-07-10T07:15:29.000Z

Sad to hear. Bill was a good bugger, always had time for a yarn at the local. RIP mate.

Hana Stewart2026-07-10T07:22:29.000Z

Worked with Bill back in the 90s. Absolute legend in the industry, mentored so many of us. Gone too soon 😢

Hana Stewart2026-07-10T07:57:29.000Z

this. so many young blokes owe him their careers

Stuff2026-07-10T08:07:29.000Z

yeah nah fair enough. just sick of the rich getting all the press. but i take it back, sorry for your loss

Rowan Blake2026-07-10T07:43:29.000Z

never heard of him but sounds like he did good stuff for the community. respect.

Isla Cooper2026-07-10T07:57:29.000Z

My dad knew him through Rotary. Said he was a stand-up bloke. RIP Bill.

Sam North2026-07-10T08:02:29.000Z

Another one gone. The North Shore won't be the same without him. Thoughts with the whānau.

Stuff2026-07-10T08:16:29.000Z

Bet the funeral will be full of suits and handshakes. Meanwhile the rest of us can't afford to die.

Sage Lawson2026-07-10T08:30:29.000Z

mate read the room. bloke just died and you're making it about yourself

Rowan Blake2026-07-10T08:46:29.000Z

lol classic North Shore eh. but still a decent bloke by all accounts

Isla Cooper2026-07-10T09:14:29.000Z

ffs not everything is about class war. just accept a person died and show some respect

Rowan Blake2026-07-10T08:46:29.000Z

does anyone know if he had any connection to the Auckland business school? got a scholarship named after him maybe

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