John is a Dunedin solicitor and company director, founder of the firm of Webb Farry to which he remains a consultant. He was the founder and Chairman of Radio Otago Ltd for 28 years and remains Chairman of Fund Managers Otago Ltd, Fund Managers Holdings Ltd and Mortgage Choice (NZ) Ltd.

John is Chairman of the Community Trust of Otago and is involved in many local projects. His longstanding service to the community is reflected in his holding the NZ Order of Merit for services to business and the community and the Papal Gold Medal "Benemerenti".