Former Tauranga Port chairman John Parker has been appointed to the Primary Growth Partnership's Independent Investment Advisory Panel.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says Mr Parker will take over as the chairman on May 1, from Joanna Perry whose last day is today.

New Independent Investment Advisory Panel chairman John Parker. Photo: Supplied.

Nathan Guy says IAP members use their expertise and judgement to advise on decisions about the investment of PGP funds, and to help ensure these investments achieve the aims of economic growth and sustainability.

'Mr Parker has extensive experience in both governance and in the primary industries and he understands what is required to grow value in the sector.

'Importantly he has a good understanding of how the PGP can support innovation and the importance of investing in the right programmes.”

Formally, John has been the former chairman of Tauranga Port and is currently the independent director of Dairy Holdings Ltd, BEL Group Ltd, Genoese Foods and the Primary Industry Training Organization.