John graduated with an LLB from the University of Otago in 1979 and worked for a number of legal firms in Auckland before commencing in sole practice in Newmarket in 1985.

At different times in his career he has been a tutor for the post-graduate bar examinations (in commercial law) and an Auckland District Law Society seminar presenter (on the Sale and Purchase of Small Businesses).

He is married to Deborah. His interests include golf and body-boarding.

Deborah obtained a BA from the University of Otago in 1978 and NZ Law Society certificate of attainment in Legal Executive studies in 1992.

She has been a Fellow of the NZ Institute of Legal Executives since 2003. Deborah has worked in law firms in Auckland, Dunedin and London and has been a legal executive in Barratt-Boyes Law Practice since 1992.

She and John have 3 children all now young adults. Her interests include theatre, walking and golf.