[Update: Minister of Health unable to visit the West Coast]

MEDIA RELEASE
29 October 2012

Associate Minister of Health Tariana Turia to visit the West Coast

West Coast health workers and those working in social services and community NGOs will have a chance to engage directly with the Minister for Whānau Ora on health and social issues when Hon Tariana Turia visits Hokitika and Greymouth on Tuesday (30 October).

Minister Turia (who is also Associate Minister of Health) will attend a powhiri at Arahura Marae in the morning, where she will talk to an audience of local iwi, health professionals, social service providers and representatives of the Maori community about her vision for Whānau Ora, disability issues and smoke-free initiatives. She’ll then be available for a question and answer session and have an opportunity to mix with those present.

At Greymouth she’ll lunch with invited guests from the community before speaking to a similar audience to that of the morning, followed by another question time and informal chat.

The West Coast District Health Board is hosting the visit. Chief Executive David Meates says it’s a great opportunity for the Minister to share her vision for Whānau Ora and Smokefree Aotearoa on the West Coast, but also hear back from those at the coalface about the unique issues Coasters face.

Mr Meates says: “We don’t often get an opportunity to discuss these issues with a Minister on site, so I know that the health and social services communities are looking forward to this visit.”

Ends

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