John has a background in corporate finance, investment banking and agri-business governance.

He founded BGA Lao Plantation Forestry Ltd, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (sold in 2006). This 50,000 hectare commercial plantation forestry business has an emphasis on environmental enhancement and improvement to rural communities.

He is also co-founder, director, and part-owner of Kintore Dairy Farm – a 1,500 cow dairy farm in mid Canterbury; co-founder, director, and part owner of Lindis Crossing Station – a sheep and beef farm, finishing approximately 2,200 cattle, 650 deer, and 18,000 lambs per year.

John is also a shareholder in and past Chair of LignoTech Developments (a biotechnology business focusing on producing bio fillers for the renewable plastics industry).

He is currently a director of Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, a member of the Minister of Agriculture’s Primary Sector Advisory Council, and chair of Minister O’Connor’s Wool Industry Working Group.