Dr Reynold Macpherson
Chief Executive Officer
22 March 2005 Media Statement
Waiariki appoints new Academic Director
Waiariki is pleased to announce the appointment of John Snook as its new Academic Director. “He is currently advising
UCOL’s business development and has been selected to impact the further development of our Schools. He will be central
to the next step up in Waiariki’s service capabilities”, says Dr Reynold Macpherson, CEO.
John graduated from Otago University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Physical Education (Hons). He worked at UCOL from 1994,
initially employed to set up the Certificate in Coaching and Sport Science. Under his leadership it evolved into a
diploma and then into the Bachelor of Human Performance offered by UCOL today.
Along with his passion for sport and physical wellness, he also enjoys organisational, strategic and project management.
He graduated with distinction in December 2002 from Massey’s University’s MBA programme. His dissertation was the
development of a strategic marketing plan for UCOL.
“In 2002 I became the Business Development Advisor for UCOL. My role was to work in the Faculties developing business
solutions. Much of my work was to encourage strategic thinking and development to occur, as well as helping deliver
relevant, vocational and applied education to dispersed groupings of individuals in a cost effective manner, often to a
particular industry or stakeholder group’s specification,” says John.
During the past year he has also been the general staff representative on the UCOL Council, requiring him to serve in a
governance role. It provided him with considerable insight into the tertiary sector and the not insignificant changes
that are on the horizon.
His decision to come to Waiariki was about adding value to a uniquely bicultural and dynamically developing institution,
and about selecting a lifestyle. “I am married and live with my wife Gina, our 14-year-old daughter Olive and our
soon-to-be-two son George. My hobbies include kayaking, mountain biking and other family pursuits.”
John starts at Waiariki on the 27th of April. His powhiri will be at 11.00 am.
ENDS