Barry Smith (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa) passed away at Rangi Point, Thursday 12 March, Barry was the son of Peter and Ann Smith and nephew to JB ‘Johnnie’ Smith.
A true Māori tennis legend winning 18X Open titles (includes 11X open singles) and 11X Senior titles, Barry beat Jeff Simpson in Linton Cup (representing South Australia) and in the NZ Junior champs was seeded 2nd behind Onny Parun and above Brian Fairlie (3rd seed) Barry’s notable singles wins in Māori Tennis champs was against Mose Harvey, Jack Hawaikirangi, Joe Malcolm, Bob Peni, brother Peter and Richard Tamaho. His first loss was in 1981 to the late Wayne Gray.
Barry represented Aotearoa Māori Tennis in two overseas tours, 1976 to New Caledonia and 1977 to Noumea.
Barry is survived by wife Helen (nee Sifuentes) brother Peter and sisters Linda and Debbie.
