''It does also reflect the people I've worked with who have given so much, too.''
Jackets has been involved with the internationally respected classical piano event since 2007, becoming its director in 2010.
In that time it has grown from a national to an international biennial event, with more than 60 top competitors from around the world applying to compete in recent years.
''We definitely have a global profile. These young people are the top in the world and they wouldn't come here if the competition did not have international credibility.''
But all year, every year, he is able to indulge in his greatest musical passion, choral music - a love followed closely by piano.
He has been musical director of the Bay of Islands Singers since 2009, in which time the choir has grown from 30 to 60 members.
Jackets directs an annual community carols event in Kerikeri and the Bay of Island Singers' annual three-concert series. Those concerts not only highlight the talents of the singers and their conductor, but involve a regular orchestra which enables a far wider choral repertoire under his leadership.
Jackets is a member and has been chairman of the Church Council at St James Anglican Church in Kerikeri, and trains and conducts the church's choir.
As well as raising the roof with heavenly music, he headed fundraising drives for the re-roofing of the historic church in 2014.
Originally from the UK, he and his wife Jane moved to Kerikeri in 1990 after living and working in several countries.
Attracted by the picturesque environs and the climate, he said they were delighted that, by chance, they had chosen a hub of talent and creativity.
