Founded in 1934 in New Zealand Commenced manufacturing footwear for the rural market Won contract to supply the New Zealand armed forces in World War II OPSM Protector acquired the company in 1981 Became the New Zealand market leader in industrial footwear OPSM Protector acquired Dunlop Industrial Footwear in 1996 Launched trans Tasman John Bull Footwear Group in 1997 Upgrade of complete Australian range undertaken and released in 1998 Integration of selected Australian range into New Zealand market in 1999 Acquired by Blundstone NZ Ltd in June 2000 John Bull is the icon brand in New Zealand – similar to that of Blundstone in Australia but enjoying higher market share John Bull is exclusive to Protector Alsafe for Australia and Protector Safety in New Zealand for the industrial safety market.