• LLB – Victoria University of Wellington, 1983
• LLM – University of Auckland, 2012

John has over 35 years of major construction and infrastructure development experience, focused on effective project delivery and dispute avoidance.

As an arbitrator, construction adjudicator and commercial mediator, he has determined and settled disputes involving major infrastructure developments in transport, water and wastewater, energy, telecommunications, real estate and property development.  John’s experience in public sector procurement and major infrastructure development also makes him ideally placed to provide independent expert advice, as project advisor, peer reviewer and probity auditor. John’s approach to projects is from the cradle to the grave, at each stage promoting successful project outcomes.

John is also one of a few global experts in superyacht construction.

Hong Kong's Port and airport development

Advising the Government of Hong Kong on its new airport development at Chek Lap Kok, including drafting contracts and advising on contract administration for USD $20 billion of infrastructure development.

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Custom Street Hotel v Plus Construction

Win in the Court of Appeal on the interpretation of the termination provisions of NZS3910.

AMINZ Arbitration Rules

Drafting the new AMINZ Arbitration Rules, based on current international best practise, and the AMINZ Guide to Awarding Costs in Arbitration.

ICCA Sydney Congress

Co-Vice Chair of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration Congress in Sydney 2018.

Watercare’s Hobson Bay Tunnel

Using a one-off, tailor made contract, Watercare Services completed a new tunnel under Hobson Bay in Auckland using an earth-pressure-balance tunnel boring machine on time and within budget – a first for NZ.

Society of Construction Law NZ

Being made an Honorary Life Member of the NZ branch of the SCL in recognition of services to the construction community.

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Society of Construction Arbitrators

Being invited to join the Society as an overseas member in 2019.

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Who's who legal - Construction

Identified as a Global Leader in construction 2016 - 2020.

Raymond Huo MP, Chair of the Justice and Electoral Select Committee, on the Third Reading of the Arbitration Amendment Act 2019, Hansard (Parliamentary Debates) 1 May 2019, “I acknowledge members of the Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand and renowned arbiters such as Sir David Williams QC and Mr John Walton.”

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