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Meet The Team

The people that make it happen

Get to know the friendly faces behind Matt Hobbs Plumbing & Drainlaying — a skilled, reliable team dedicated to quality service and honest workmanship. We're passionate about what we do, and take pride in delivering expert solutions with a personal touch on every job.

  • Matt Hobbs

    Owner/Director

    The man behind the name, owner and founder of Matt Hobbs Plumbing & Drainlaying Ltd. Matt entered the plumbing industry after serving 10 years as a British Army Officer. A Captain of the UK Parachute Regiment, Matt has served in military operations around the world including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Macedonia.

    Matt and his family moved to NZ from the UK in 2007 initially working within the NZ Army. In 2009 he decided to have a change in career and ventured into the world of plumbing. Matt aced his plumbing apprenticeship, winning the RJ Bell Cup for the top achieving apprentice in the Region. He then went on to win the top apprentice in NZ, winning the Merit Award of Excellence in Plumbing presented by the Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board after achieving the highest mark in New Zealand that year in the certifying examination (the highest qualification available in plumbing). It was a natural progression for Matt to venture out and establish his own plumbing business.

    Matt's passions other than plumbing, are his 1960 Series 2 Landrover, mountain biking, and the best days are those on the boat.

    Matt portrait (medium) min

  • Jo Hobbs

    Owner / Director

    Co-owner Jo is the admin ace behind the scenes, making sure your project runs smoothly from first call to final invoice. Originally from the UK, she holds a business honours degree from Nottingham Trent University, followed by an exciting military career. As an Administration Officer in the British Army, Jo tackled roles like Gun Safety Officer for a Multiple Rocket Launcher Regiment, Platoon Commander, and Regimental Admin Officer for the Parachute Regiment.

    After successful military careers, Jo and Matt swapped army boots for motorcycle boots, riding two beat-up Suzuki DR650s through 32 countries over two years. From Eastern Europe to Central Asia, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Americas - the adventure ended with Matt and Jo returning home six months pregnant and 21,000 km of stories to tell.
    These days, Jo’s adventures are closer to home - cheering on their grown daughters Poppy and Lucy, running, biking, or being dragged around by Oscar the cocker spaniel (the unofficial favourite child).

    Jo portrait (medium) min

  • Bruce Dumbrill

    Tradesman

    A fully qualified plumber and proud Kiwi by choice, Bruce originally hails from South Africa—but once he landed in New Zealand, he never looked back. Bruce is our unofficial Minister of Positivity. If you ever catch him without a smile, please alert us immediately—something’s definitely off. A lifelong learner and people-person, he’s always up for a chat, a challenge, or a cheeky fishing trip. When he’s not on the tools, you’ll likely find him lifting weights, hitting the trails on his mountain bike, or befriending every dog in a 10km radius. Speaking of dogs—yep, they love him. So don’t be surprised if your furry friend starts following him around like they’ve known each other for years. This seems to happen ALOT.

    Bruce portrait (medium) min