From growing a five-person family business into a company of nearly 30 staff, Rotorua’s Sarah Jamieson has become a champion for women across the plumbing sector.

Her efforts were recognised when she received the Jackson Women in Plumbing Award at the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Awards on Friday.

The award celebrates women who have made an outstanding contribution to the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry.

The BOP Plumbing & Gas co-owner and chief financial officer said receiving the award came as a surprise.

“It was super special to get it,” she told the Rotorua Daily Post.

“We had heaps of our team there to support one of our apprentices who was a national finalist, so it was really nice that I ended up getting one too.”

An accountant by trade, Jamieson said she never imagined a career in plumbing.

She began helping her husband, Aaron, with bookkeeping when he started his own business before the pair merged with his father’s company in 2016.

Since then, BOP Plumbing & Gas has grown from five employees to 29 staff across Rotorua, Kawerau and Te Puke.

Jamieson now oversees the company’s finances, human resources and business strategy while exploring ways in which new technology, including artificial intelligence, can improve efficiency.

“We’re always looking at how we can do things better, not just for the business but for our team.”

Beyond the business, Jamieson has served on the Master Plumbers board and now sits on the National Association of Women in Construction board.

Bay of Plenty Plumbing & Gas co-owners Sarah and Aaron Jamieson. Photo / Stephen Parker

She also co-founded Te Ara Wāhine with colleague Colleen McNabb, a Rotorua conference that brings women in construction together to share experiences, build networks and support one another.

ldquo;Construction can be quite isolating when you’re one of only a few women in your workplace. Having somewhere to share experiences and learn from each other makes a huge difference.”

Jamieson said she believed in sharing knowledge rather than competing.

“There’s no point in everyone struggling. If I’ve already figured out how to do something in a better or easier way, I’m more than happy to share that.”

She said the industry had become far more welcoming to women during her time in the profession.

“When I first entered the industry, you’d go places and people would say, ‘So you work for your husband?’ I’d say, ‘No, we work together. If anything, he works for me.’”

BOP Plumbing & Gas employs three female apprentices, and Jamieson hopes more women will consider a career in the trades.

“If it’s something you’re passionate about, go for it. There’s plenty of support out there.”

BOP Plumbing & Gas employee Apache Davidson has been named a gasfitting finalist for the James Douglas Medallion, an award recognising recently qualified tradespeople who have demonstrated exceptional hard work, commitment and determination in building a successful career in the industry.

Davidson is one of three finalists in contention for the overall award, with the winner set to receive a $500 cash prize and a $2500 Career Development Scholarship from Skills Trades Training to support their ongoing professional growth and career progression.

Rotorua apprentice Sam Baldwin was also recognised, receiving one of only three Plumbing World Scholarships awarded nationwide.

The 21-year-old is completing his apprenticeship with 100% Plumbing & Gas through the Masterlink training scheme.

The annual scholarship recognises outstanding Masterlink apprentices who have demonstrated dedication to their training and a strong commitment to the plumbing industry.

Employer Julian Parker said Baldwin enhanced the company’s reputation every time he stepped onto a job site, with customers regularly praising his professionalism, communication skills and calm approach.

Zoe Blake is a multimedia journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post.