Ian Jackson has been involved in the plumbing industry for nearly 70 years.
INDUSTRY
INNOVATOR As a supplier to the plumbing industry since the 1980s, Ian Jackson promoted the introduction to New Zealand of the AS 3500 Australian Plumbing Code, now known as AS/NZ 3500. NZ Plumber talked to Ian about his family run Allproof Industries business and his significant contribution to the industry over many years, which was recognised in the 2022 New Year’s Honours. AUTHOR: MATTHEW LOWE
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ork has always been a family affair for Ian Jackson, from joining his father’s plumbing business in 1953, to running successful ventures with his wife Maureen and seeing his children help him grow Allproof Industries. The 85-year-old remains a shareholder and Director of the Auckland-based company and says he is happy to contribute where possible. His efforts over the years were recognised in the 2022 New Year Honours when he received the MNZM for services to the plumbing industry and the community.
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Apprenticeship beginnings It all began after Ian finished his secondary education at Wellington College and started working with his father Jim Jackson at JP Jackson Ltd in Taihape in January 1953. Ian says it was a unique plumbing and drainage business in the North Island’s Central Plateau that serviced an area from Taupo to Hunterville. “Before World War II this area was relatively isolated with the roads mainly metal, which meant Jim Jackson had very little opposition as a plumbing and
drainlaying company serving the district’s rich farmlands, central mountain area, ski fields, Waiouru Military Camp and the Taupo area,” explains Ian. “My father’s business quickly flourished at the start of World War II with the building of Waiouru Military Camp half an hour north of Taihape.” He adds that the company went on to obtain the first significant equipment in the area, such as diggers, compressors and rock-blasting equipment for major drainage and sewage treatment constructions.
