Brooke Howard-Smith (born 6 October 1972) is not just a name in New Zealand’s broadcasting and entrepreneurial landscape—he is a force of transformation. From his days as a professional inline skater to his more recent pursuits in philanthropy, business, and art, Brooke’s life is a testament to the power of reinvention. His journey inspires anyone seeking to redefine their life’s path and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Brooke Howard-Smith: From the Skatepark to Global Success
At the young age of 21, Brooke Howard-Smith co-founded Senate Industries with Arlo Eisenberg, a company that quickly became one of the leading producers of inline skate accessories. Within a few years, Senate Industries was a global success, generating over $13 million in revenue in 1997.
Brooke was at the forefront of a movement that transformed action sports, helping to pioneer the art of street and vert inline skating. His fearless personality, along with his infamous crashes and unique tricks like the Royale, earned him a place among the legends of action sports.
Brooke’s determination led him to compete in multiple X Games, world championships, and even perform at the closing ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics alongside icons like Tony Hawk and Matt Hoffman. His contribution to the growth of inline skating, and his dynamic energy in the action sports world, left an indelible mark.
But Brooke’s ambition didn’t stop there. He continued to expand his reach in the action sports world by founding England Clothing in 1996 and launching Poynter Footwear in 1999. As a businessman, he showed that the spirit of creativity and innovation could transcend sports and enter the world of fashion and footwear.
Transition to Television Stardom
While Brooke Howard-Smith’s early career was grounded in action sports, his charisma soon found a new platform—television. As a well-known New Zealand television personality, Brooke hosted a variety of popular shows, including TV3’s Target, Celebrity Joker Poker, and XSTV.
His natural charm and wit made him a household name, and he even had the chance to present the 2007 Rugby World Cup coverage in France. He continued to diversify his TV career by hosting the 2008 Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park and the widely-watched Big Night In telethon.
Brooke’s unique ability to blend entertainment with social causes became evident when he produced and presented numerous charity-driven shows, such as Comedy for Cure Kids. His work on these shows demonstrated a deep commitment to making the world a better place through entertainment, a theme that would define the next stage of his career.
A Life of Purpose and Philanthropy
Brooke Howard-Smith’s story takes an inspirational turn in the realm of philanthropy. Following the devastating Christchurch earthquake in 2011, Brooke organized the Rise Up Christchurch telethon, raising $2.7 million for the Prime Minister’s Fund. This event was a defining moment in his life, showcasing his dedication to using his platform for the greater good.
In 2012, Brooke produced the charity single “Feel Inside (And Stuff Like That)” with the popular band Flight of the Conchords, which won the prestigious Tui Award for highest-selling single of the year. He followed this success with another hit, “Team Ball Player Thing,” a song created in support of the All Blacks, which became a viral sensation with over a million views.
In recent years, Brooke led a team at Non-Fungible Labs to raise $1.1 million for Auckland City Mission in 2022, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to philanthropy through innovative means. His work in charity continues to inspire others to look beyond their personal successes and find ways to give back.
In partnership with artist Alexandra Grant and actor Keanu Reeves, Brooke co-founded the Futureverse Foundation. This organization supports underrepresented artists and creatives, ensuring that diversity and inclusivity are part of both the real and digital worlds. His work with Futureverse reflects his passion for fostering creativity and empowering communities to thrive.
Entrepreneurial Drive: Building Success Across Industries
Brooke’s success as an entrepreneur is just as impressive as his achievements in sports and television. He has co-founded over 20 businesses, each one a testament to his boundless energy and drive. From action sports companies like Senate Industries to clothing brands like England Clothing and Poynter Footwear, Brooke has left his mark across industries.
One of his most notable ventures is WeAreTENZING, a talent agency with a purpose-driven approach, reflecting his belief that business should have a positive impact on society. His platform Otterfish, which enables social campaigns, and Non-Fungible Labs, a leader in metaverse creation, further illustrate his commitment to innovation and social responsibility.
Brooke Howard-Smith’s entrepreneurial spirit is not confined to traditional businesses; he constantly pushes boundaries and redefines what is possible. His ability to think outside the box and take risks is a testament to his unique vision and unwavering belief in the power of creativity.
A Personal Transformation: From Party Boy to Changemaker
Brooke Howard-Smith’s personal transformation is perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of his journey. Once known for his wild lifestyle, especially during his ownership of Auckland’s famed nightclub The Pony Club, Brooke was often seen as the ultimate party man. However, his life took a profound turn when he met and married former Miss New Zealand Amber Peebles. Amber’s influence helped Brooke focus on more meaningful and impactful projects, steering him away from a life of excess and self-indulgence.
One of the most significant turning points in Brooke’s life came when he spent his 40th birthday building a house in a poverty-stricken Fijian village for Habitat for Humanity. This experience, working side by side with Amber, reshaped his outlook on life and deepened his commitment to helping others.