He was born in Nuhaka on the East Coast and left New Zealand in 1893 with his grandparents, Hirini Whaanga and Mere. He grew up in Idaho, USA. He was educated in Idaho and later at Brigham Young University in Utah. He became an accomplished musician and eventually returned to New Zealand in 1913 where he taught music at the Māori Agricultural College in Hastings and later privately in Auckland. He became a recognised composer. "He was a naturally gifted musician and over the last 40 years had passed on his talents to many Māori and European students.... In his youth, Mr Smith toured overseas with Māori concert parties and it was in California that he met his wife."
Biographical sources
- "Haere ki o Koutou Tipuna." Te Ao Hou 33 (1960): 3.
- Walker, Nikki. "Māori Biographies Compiled by George F Kiwi Howe 1960." Te Iwi o Aotearoa 27 (Nov. 1989): 20.
Music
- "Beneath the Māori Moon." No details.
- This was later sung and recorded by George Nepia in 1936.
- "Dear Old Māoriland." No details.
- "Land of the South Sea Isles." No details.
- "Beneath The Māori Moon." No details.
- "My Beautiful Isle of the Sea." No details.
- "Let There Be Light." No details.
- "Kia Ngawari (Be Humble)." Rec. by The Nuhaka Māori Choir.
Other
- Walker, Nikki. "Māori Biographies Compiled by George F Kiwi Howe 1960." Te Iwi o Aotearoa 27 (Nov. 1989): 20.
- "Haere ki o Koutou Tipuna." Te Ao Hou 33 (1960): 3.