Throughout his working life Jack Goodwin Smith made a significant contribution to Fletcher Construction, taking on senior leadership roles and expanding the company’s work internationally.
Jack completed his engineering training through practical work experience at Wellington City Council, combined with study at Victoria University of Wellington and University of Canterbury.
In 1952 he joined Fletcher Construction. He stayed with Fletcher’s throughout his career. In 1958 he established a civil engineering division within Fletcher Construction of which he became general manager. He took on increasingly senior leadership roles, becoming an executive director of Fletcher Holdings in 1978.
Projects he was involved with include the construction of the Kawerau Pulp and Paper mill, Lyttelton road tunnel, Marsden point power station and Kapuni gas pipeline.
In the 1980s he expanded the company’s offshore operations.
Jack was awarded an MBE for services to the construction industry in the 1988 New Year’s Honours.
Access
This interview is held at the Alexander Turnbull Library. Contact the library for more information.
Date of Interview: 2014
