2023 NORTH HARBOUR BUSINESS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
Stanley Point resident Ian Jackson’s a pioneer in the NZ Plumbing industry. His involvement has its origins when his father James set up his own business in 1940.
Ian joined the family business in 1953 – JP Jackson Ltd in Taihape – completing a plumbing apprenticeship and helping his father to establish a number of businesses.
Ian says it was a unique plumbing and drainage business in the North Island’s Central Plateau. “My father’s business flourished at the start of World War II with the building of Waiouru Military Camp. We had diggers, compressors and rock-blasting equipment for major drainage and sewage treatment constructions.”
Ian moved to Auckland in 1958, gaining experience in commercial plumbing with WA Chenery and then in Australia working in Sydney.
Ian married Maureen in Sydney in 1962. 3 years later they moved back to Auckland and started Jackson Plumbing, in Kingsland. In the ’80s they purchased a further plumbing business at Whangaparaoa.
In 1986, Ian became a shareholder in Allproof Industries, an Australian company supplying waterproofing products. He eventually gained the total shareholding for NZ and Australia.
In 1992, a major investment in machinery for manufacturing plumbing products signalled a milestone in the company’s evolution.
In 1995, Ian Jackson initiated the uptake of the Australian Plumbing Code AS3500 throughout NZ, a more efficient method of plumbing – reducing man hours, materials and labour.
In 1997, Allproof moved from Kingsland to Mairangi Bay, then to Albany in 2004, and in 2007 further expansion came as the company acquired Pedicom Tooling an injection moulding operation.
In 2010, Allproof relocated to Beachhaven, bringing the entire business together. In following years a stainless steel fabrication division was added, then distribution and warehousing operations in Christchurch, Melbourne, and later Brisbane. A new laser cutting machine was also commissioned. An investment was also made in Solar Power.
The Jackson family gives back, supporting a range of charities, schools, sporting and local music organisations. They’ve supported Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School on the East Coast, providing work opportunities and apprenticeships. Ian’s been involved with swimming and surf lifesaving, was President of the successful North Shore Swimming Club and has been a member and President of Auckland West Rotary Club. Music is also a passion.
Ian Jackson was recognised in the 2022 New Year Honours, receiving a MNZM for services to the plumbing industry and the community.
Sadly, Maureen passed away in 2020. Her legacy lives on with the Maureen Jackson Women in Plumbing Trophy, awarded at the Masters Plumbers annual conference.
Allproof now employs 130 staff. It remains a family business with Ian proud that his children Adam (General Manager), and Jacinta (Administration Manager) are now driving the business. Jared also spent 24 years with the company. Ian remains a shareholder and Director and still contributes as required.
Ian Jackson is a very deserving 2023 inductee to the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame.