The THINK Hauora Board is pleased to announce the appointment of John Peters, MNZM, as Chairperson of the Board for the Primary Health Organisation (PHO). 

John succeeds Dr Bruce Stewart, who is stepping down after twelve years of service in the role. 

With a distinguished career spanning governance and executive leadership across the health, government, and corporate sectors, John brings a wealth of experience to the position. He was recently appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his services to governance and palliative care. 

John currently chairs the Nelson Tasman Hospice Operating and Investment Trust Boards and serves on the Technology Advisory Group and the national Board of Hospice NZ. His previous roles include Chief Executive of the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (2004–2012), where he delivered five consecutive years of financial surpluses while maintaining top national rankings in patient satisfaction. 

Throughout this time, John led the pioneering inclusion of primary care clinicians in DHB leadership, strengthening community connections and ensuring a comprehensive approach to regional health services. He has also undertaken several interim Chief Executive roles within the health sector through his consultancy work. 

His broader governance experience includes nine years as Chair of the Nelson City Council's Audit, Risk and Finance Committee. John is a Member of the Institute of Directors, a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management, and a registered GATEWAY Reviewer for government projects. He currently resides in Horowhenua. 

John is committed to supporting THINK Hauora in its mission to improve health and wellbeing across the MidCentral region. He brings a strong strategic vision focused on achieving equity of access and better health outcomes and is passionate about building strong governance through effective succession planning. 

THINK Hauora Chief Executive, Amarjit Maxwell, says, "We are pleased to welcome John Peters to THINK Hauora as our new Board Chair. John brings a depth of governance experience and a clear passion for equitable, community-driven healthcare that aligns strongly with our values and direction. We look forward to the leadership and insight he will bring to the organisation." 

"I would also like to thank Bruce for his outstanding service as Board Chair over the past twelve years. His strong leadership, support, and unwavering commitment have played a pivotal role in shaping THINK Hauora and ensuring we’re focused on our vision of Connecting Communities for Wellbeing."