Elected 2026
Jacob Smith is a Director and Contracts Manager at Plumbing & Gas Works in Hamilton. He’s been at the business for 20 years, starting as an apprentice in 2005 before moving through to become a qualified tradesman, project manager and now contracts manager.
He became a shareholder before being appointed as a Director in 2020, giving him experience across both the operational and governance aspects of the business.
Jacob is passionate about developing people and creating opportunities for others to succeed in our industry. He believes that by helping people grow, the business and the wider industry grow alongside them.
With Master Plumbers and Masterlink playing a critical role in strengthening the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying profession across New Zealand, he sees serving on the Board as an opportunity to help shape the future of our industry by supporting initiatives that strengthen training, raise professional standards, and ensure Master Plumbers continues to deliver real value for members.
Jacob is particularly interested in workforce development, self-certification, and ensuring our industry remains an attractive career choice for future generations.
Currently President of the Waikato Master Plumbers Branch, Jacob has been involved with Masterlink through hosting apprentices and supporting apprentice development. He has also served on the SRG (strategic reference group) for PGD with Waihanga Ara Rau workforce development council and now works with Wintec as a member of the Industry Advisory Group and with their Māori Pacific trade training team.
He has also served on the board at Knighton Normal School Board of Trustees and currently serves on the board committee at his local rugby club at Hamilton Marist.