20/08/2026
Join us in warmly welcoming John Blyth (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi) as our new Kaihautū Māori / Māori Market Lead at Tonkin + Taylor.
With more than 20 years’ experience in leadership and advisory roles, John has helped organisations strengthen their relationships with Māori, build capability, and weave te ao Māori into organisational culture and project delivery. He has also contributed to industry leadership groups, supported initiatives that create opportunities for Māori, and continues to champion te ao Māori across the infrastructure and professional services sectors.
Penny Kneebone, Tumu Whakarae – Chief Executive, shares, “John is a taonga in our sector, and we are delighted to welcome him to Tonkin + Taylor. His experience and leadership will enrich our mahi with clients and communities to design and deliver better infrastructure for Aotearoa."
A mihi whakatau for John was held this week at our Ōtautahi/Christchurch office, where John’s whānau, friends, and former colleagues joined members of our Group Leadership Team, Board, and senior directors to welcome him to Tonkin + Taylor and support him as he begins this next chapter.
Kumeroa Pihama, Pou Whanake – Technical Director Māori, shares that “John’s extensive experience and passion for driving partnership best practice will be a whakaruruhau for our people and projects, and help strengthen our existing capabilities, in particular with regards to Te Waipounamu and Whanganui.”
John will build on his experience and passion for te ao Māori to help strengthen our relationships, support our people, and create meaningful opportunities across the Māori economy.
John says, "I have a lot of energy for the Māori space in this industry, and I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learnt and continuing to learn alongside kaimahi Māori. With its roots firmly in Aotearoa and a fresh, agile approach, Tonkin + Taylor feels different. The team felt like whānau straight away, and when they introduced me to Te Kōrihi o Te Manu (our Māori Strategy), I knew this was the right place for me."
Nau mai, haere mai, John — welcome to Tonkin + Taylor. We wish you every success in your new role.