2019 North Harbour Business Hall of Fame Laureate
Greg Smale grew up on the North Shore attending Westlake Boys High School.
A young entrepreneur, Greg started his first business at 11 manufacturing wire circles for flower posies. This business grew to national distribution and within a year Greg had captured a large market share in New Zealand selling the business at the age of 18.
On leaving school Greg joined the Auckland City Council Drafting Office while also attending the University of Auckland undertaking a property valuation diploma.
After university, Greg established a property development company along with a builder and, and after five years went out on his own, establishing Newline Construction, which built properties around Auckland for over 20 years.
At the age of 25, one of Greg’s property development projects was the Takapuna Motor Lodge. On completion, Felicity and Greg moved in and ran the motel later selling this business to Greg’s bother Bill at 95% occupancy.
In 1980, Greg and Felicity established Newline Bathroomware manufacturing Rollaway Showerscreens. They sold the business in 2014 with manufacturing still continuing today under licence in the US.
Fast forward to 1997 and Clear Communications approached the Smale family to build their head office. Greg led negotiations of the lease and design, and 14 months later construction of this now iconic site began.
Over the years more buildings have been added to Smales Farm, the latest being the BHive which Greg was very passionate about. Specifically catering for SME tenants, it is a unique, shared space and the first purpose-built facility in the world. Greg continues to guide the future vision and direction of Smales Farm as a Director.
Greg has spent 3 years on the Massey University, College of Business, Advisory Board, and is also involved in the New Zealand Robotics Trust encouraging and inspiring students in the STEM disciplines with 1200 students involved from over 60 schools.
Greg and his wife, Felicity, were married in 1977 and have three children, all of whom have become involved in property development here and abroad.
Greg and Felicity are strong supporters of the North Shore Hospice with Greg currently involved in the Shea Terrace Development.
A true philanthropist, Greg has quietly and readily supported many other charities and projects. His sense of community, strong family values and astute contribution to Business growth, make Greg a very worthy North Harbour Business Hall of Fame Laureate.