John grew up on a farm at Ruakaka, he has fond memories of his days at Waipu District High and still has good friends from those days.  He attended Auckland University in the1960s and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, while also working part time as an inspector for Inland Revenue, which is where his skill-set of linking financial information and business performance began.

In 1970 he married Jenny and started a new role at the local accounting practice, Coopers and Lybrand in Whangarei. In 1972 John was awarded a scholarship from the Bank of New Zealand to attend the London School of Economics and completed a post graduate diploma.  When he returned to New Zealand he became a partner with Coopers and Lybrand for 10 years. There he developed a strong client base and made long standing relationships due to his ethical code of being reliable, honest and trustworthy. In 1985 John moved with his family of five to England for a 12 month sabbatical, where he and Jenny entered into a business venture which kept them there for 8 years.

Returning home again to Whangarei, over a beer with Bob Tait (an old friend), who convinced him to become a partner in Tait Real Estate in 1993.  John brought his mind for numbers and analytical skills to the table, he is naturally an obvious choice for commercial real estate and property investment.

He remained in business with Bob until his death in 2008. It was always good times working with Bob, he says “we had a lot fun”.  Since then John and Jenny have owned the business outright until more recent times they started considering their succession plan and welcomed Jo Green as a 50% shareholder, “and the fun continues!”  Jo is forward thinking with sound business acumen and strong values, John believes she will be very successful in developing the business for the future.

John is a keen follower of all sport, particularly rugby, cricket and horse racing and always loves to support and sponsor many  local clubs.

When not talking real estate or sport, Johns favourite time is enjoying a party with his children but hates to admit he now struggles to keep up!