John Wansbone Appointed as New Sport Northland Chief Executive

It is with great pleasure and excitement that the Sport Northland Board of Trustees announces the appointment of John Wansbone as the new Chief Executive of Sport Northland.

Following a thorough recruitment process and after careful consideration, John has been selected for his wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our unique Northland context. His dedication to fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation and growth will support Sport Northland’s vision to have ‘All Northlanders moving more for enhanced wellbeing’.

John is a born and bred Northlander, currently living in Whangarei with his wife and two children and has over 25 years of corporate and international experience working across a range of industries and sectors. He has previously held executive leadership roles with Top Energy in the Far North and for the last six years at Northland District Health Board/Te Whatu Ora as the General Manager – Planning, Integration, People and Performance.

Sport Northland Co-Chairs Kath Wharton and Libby Jones say they are very much looking forward to the positive impact that John will undoubtedly make as Sport Northland continues their mahi in championing active, thriving and connected Northlanders.

John says “I’m excited about the opportunity to lead Sport Northland and contribute to the development of healthy and active communities. I am particularly drawn to the kaupapa, guided by the aspirations and needs of whanau and communities, and focused on improving access and opportunities for all Northlanders to participate more in sport, exercise and physical activity.

I have greatly admired Sport Northland’s achievements over the years and I would like to acknowledge Brent Eastwood for his leadership and outstanding service to our region. Northland is the best place to live in New Zealand, but we are faced with the greatest health challenges. Being active through sport, exercise and other physical activity is vital to the health and well-being of our communities. 

I am looking forward to joining the team in February and working closely with the Board, iwi and other sport and community organisations to achieve our shared vision for the health and well-being of Northlanders”.

The Board appreciates everyone’s patience during the recruitment process, which was made all the more difficult due to the high number of quality applications that were received.

John will start the role on 12 February.

Sport Northland Contacts

Kath Wharton                                    Libby Jones                                         John Wansbone

Tangata Whenua Co-Chair            Tangata Tiriti Co-Chair                   Chief Executive

021 829876                                         021 2080093