John Valentine Smith

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John Valentine Smith (1824–1895) was a New Zealand landowner, militia leader, and politician.

Smith was a significant figure in the Wairarapa region, owning the prominent Mataikona and Lansdowne runs. He represented the electorate of Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay in the 2nd New Zealand Parliament (opened 1856 April 15), but resigned before the end of his term. He did not serve in any subsequent Parliaments.

Smith was also the leader of the local militia, holding the rank of Major. In the 1860s, he gained attention for his push to construct a stockade at Masterton to defend against possible Māori attack. Many people, including Isaac Featherston, the superintendent of Wellington Province, believed that the construction of stockade would make conflict more likely, but after much work, Smith was able to convince the government to fund the project. The construction, however, was plagued with difficulties, and the final result was unsatisfactory. The stockade never saw action, and has been termed "Major Smith's Folly."