John has been involved in disability support services in New Zealand for over 37 years in a variety of roles including direct service roles, operational management, policy formation, political lobbying, advocacy, governance, organisational development, training, research and consultancy. He has assisted in or led the establishment of three national umbrella groups (including NZDSN), two support agencies and one commercial business.
He was on the original Enabling Good Life reference group brought together by Minister Tariana Turia that wrote the EGL principles. He remained on the National Leadership Team for Enabling Good Lives for 10 years until mid 2023.
John was the Executive Director of Community Connections – Te Hāpori Āwhina Tāngata. Community Connections, a mid-sized agency that supports over 500 people through supported living and supported employment practices in the lower North Island from 2007 until mid 2023 when he retired from that role.
In June 2023 John was recognised for his work within the disability sector with a King’s Birthday honour: an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
As well as being an Associate for Te Pou Waiora, John is currently a Board member of SAMS and WiDance, a member of the High and Complex Framework Review group for Whaikaha, an expert advisor for the HDC and undertakes a number of contracts in the disability space.
