Senior lecturer, Department of Performing and Screen Arts, Unitec Institute of Technology

"John brings a very calm energy  into the rehearsal room that also emanates confidence for his actors, thus making us feel comfortable and supported in the room.” 

John believes that education changes lives and if he can inspire people to embrace it, they can reap benefits which transform the whole family.

John works tirelessly to create an environment of safety and trust so that students are empowered to take risks and be open to exploration and change. Highly respected within the performing arts community, John is able to act as a catalyst for launching students’ careers, not only preparing students to become part of the local industry, but preparing them to be change agents within it.

Over more than two decades of teaching, John has synthesized theory and practice so that students are leading their own learning. John has distinguished himself from his peers by projecting an aura of very calm energy which inspires confidence in the students he teaches. His experience and tranquility allows students “to be open and honest in the space” and work effectively in groups. He challenges his students to be the best they can be. As one comments: “it was a fantastic opportunity to be brave and creative … and lay down a good platform to continue with as graduates”.