Manukau Mayor Len Brown today paid tribute to Howick architect and long time community stalwart, Malcolm Smith, who passed away at South Auckland Hospice overnight.

“Malcolm was a respected elder of Howick, a stalwart who gave his heart to the community he loved,” said Mr Brown.

“He has had a long association with Manukau City Council through the Emilia Maud Nixon Gardens and through Uxbridge. 

“I know he had a long association with both the Emilia Maud Nixon Memorial Gardens and Uxbridge as he was responsible for the majority of the architecture design for the Gardens for many years, and was also involved with the majority of the design and building work in the art centre’s early days.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the centre’s events and served on a number of Uxbridge committees including time as the board chairman,” said Mr Brown.

Mr Smith and his wife Christina were made Life Members of Uxbridge in recognition of their services and the Malcolm Smith Theatre Gallery is named after him.

“Malcolm’s commitment to Howick and his dedication and hard work in ensuring the projects he contributed to made a difference to his community, will be his legacy,” said Mr Brown.

“On behalf of Manukau City Council, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to the Smith family, both close and extended, and friends and colleagues on the loss of a wonderful stalwart of the local community.”