The classy fullback has re-signed with New Zealand, the Highlanders and Otago rugby through to the end of the 2017 season.
Smith (27) is more than just the most talented back the South has produced since Jeff Wilson. He is a one-club (Green Island), one-school (King's High School), one-province and one-franchise local hero.
His retention was the No 1 priority for a Highlanders team reeling from the announcements of multiple player departures and a season that appears certain to end with the Super 15 wooden spoon.
Presumably, Smith, who starred in the All Blacks' 3-0 series win over France, has been able to negotiate a bumper contract that could include the option of a sabbatical.
He will command a maximum Highlanders salary ($185,000) and it is not unreasonable to believe his All Black contract could be worth $300,000-$400,000 a year.
But with Smith, there has never been a sense he has pursued a professional career just to pad his wallet.
''I have always been proud to wear the Otago, Highlanders and All Blacks jerseys and so I'm delighted to be re-signing with New Zealand rugby for the next four years,'' he said in a statement.
''Growing up down the road from my Green Island club in Dunedin, rugby was the game I have always loved and I'm loving it still.
''I look forward to playing my part any way I can over the next few years.''
All Black coach Steve Hansen said the retention of Ben Smith was fantastic news.
''He is an exceptional footballer and a down-to-earth team man,'' Hansen said.
''He is a true professional, is constantly learning and works incredibly hard on developing his game and it has paid dividends.''
Highlanders general manager Roger Clark said Smith was the type of player rugby fans in the South admired, and he was one of the most respected players in the squad.
Smith's rise to All Black regular means he might rarely play for Otago again, but Otago Rugby Football Union general manager Richard Kinley shared in the delight at his decision to stay in New Zealand.
''He epitomises everything that the union is aiming to achieve: creating opportunities and pathways for all our players to be the best they can,'' Kinley said.
''We see him as the face of Otago rugby, being a local player that has been followed and looked up to by young players and fans across the region.''
