Skills Active Aotearoa has appointed John Snook as chief executive of the Skills Active Group, bringing more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across education, health, workforce development and high-performance sport.

John commenced in the role on 14 September 2026 following a comprehensive executive recruitment process and the Board's assessment of a strong field of candidates.

“John brings the leadership capability, sector experience and strategic perspective needed to guide the organisation through its next phase,” board chair Sam Napia said. “His commitment to people and performance, together with his experience leading transformation, strongly aligns with our purpose and aspirations.”

John most recently served as national director, Workforce Planning and Development at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, where he led national workforce planning initiatives and helped guide significant public investment. Previously, as chief executive of the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, he led the organisation through major change in the vocational education sector.

He also has a longstanding connection to sport and physical activity. John represented New Zealand in canoe slalom at four World Championships, qualified a New Zealand kayak for the 1996 Olympic Games, and has contributed to high-performance sport as a coach, educator and sector leader.

“I am delighted to join Skills Active Aotearoa and Te Mahi Ako and to work alongside our kaimahi, partners and stakeholders,” John said. “The Group has an important role in supporting vocational education and workforce development. I look forward to building on its strengths, deepening sector relationships and creating the conditions for people, organisations and systems to perform at their best.”

Mr Napia said the appointment positioned the Group well to strengthen its contribution across vocational education, workforce development, sport, recreation, exercise, outdoor recreation, performing arts and active recreation.

ENDS

About the Skills Active Group The Skills Active Group includes Skills Active Aotearoa and Te Mahi Ako. It supports vocational education and workforce development across the sport, recreation, exercise, outdoor recreation, performing arts and active recreation sectors.

Media contact: Lance Tomuri | lance@skillsactive.org.nz | 027 242 5974