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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (Amendment No. ______)
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o   Preliminary Proxy Statement
 
o   Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
 
o   Definitive Proxy Statement
 
þ   Definitive Additional Materials
 
o   Soliciting Material Under §240.14a-12
JOHN HANCOCK BANK AND THRIFT OPPORTUNITY FUND
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ   No fee required.
 
o   Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
  1)   Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
 
  2)   Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
  3)   Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
 
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o   Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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  4)   Date Filed:

 

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*** Exercise Your Right to Vote ***
IMPORTANT NOTICE Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the
Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on January 20, 2012.

JOHN HANCOCK BANK AND THRIFT
OPPORTUNITY FUND

Meeting Information
Meeting Type:     Annual Meeting of Shareholders
For holders as of:   November 1, 2011
Date:   January 20, 2012    Time:   2:00 p.m., EST
Location:   601 Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
Directions to meeting: http://materials.proxyvote.com/JH/Proxy
 
You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above named fund.
This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side of this notice).
We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.
See the reverse side of this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting instructions.


 


 

 

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—  Before You Vote  —
How to Access the Proxy Materials
Proxy Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE:
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDES PRESIDENT’S LETTER)
How to View Online:
Have the 12-Digit Control Number available (located on the following page) and visit: www.proxyvote.com.
How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy:
If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one, otherwise you will not receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents. There is NO charge to you for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request:
     
1) BY INTERNET:
  www.proxyvote.com
2) BY TELEPHONE:
  1-800-579-1639
3) BY E-MAIL*:
  sendmaterial@proxyvote.com
*   If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the 12-Digit Control Number (located on the following page) in the subject line.
Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before January 9, 2012 to facilitate timely delivery.
—  How To Vote  —
Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods
Vote In Person: If you choose to vote these shares in person at the meeting, you must request a “legal proxy.” To do so, please follow the instructions at www.proxyvote.com or request a paper copy of the materials, which will contain the appropriate instructions. Many shareholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance.
Vote By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have the 12-Digit Control Number available and follow the instructions.
Vote By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a voting instruction form.


 

(NUMBER)
                     
Voting Items        
 
                    
The Board of Trustees recommends
that you vote FOR the following:
 
1.  
To elect three (3) Trustees to serve for a three-year term ending at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2015 or such earlier date as required by the by-laws of the Fund.
 
    01)   Stanley Martin
02)   John A. Moore
03)   John G. Vrysen
 
NOTE: To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting.
 






 

 

                     
         
 
                    
         
Voting Instructions        
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