DHB Elections - Radio Advertising Campaign Launch

District Health Board Elections - Radio Advertising Campaign Launch

People interested in health services and wanting to represent their community are being encouraged to stand for their District Health Boards in a national radio campaign. Nominations for candidates in the District Health Board Elections opened recently.

The advertisements, some of which are being played on The Radio Bureau stations, can also be heard by visiting the Ministry of Health's website www.moh.govt.nz/electionsdhb.

Well-recognised New Zealand voices are used in the amusing radio advertisements. The scenarios depict a patient/doctor consultation, which nicely mix a discussion about the patient's prognosis with the District Health Board elections.

Other radio advertising regarding the District Health Board Elections is being run on 20 Maori Media Network stations, Radio 531pi and other access radio stations ? these will also be available on the website.

The Government is encouraging people from a wide range of backgrounds with skills in governance, health, community services, disability support and business to stand for the boards.

The advertisements are in two phases ? one runs until 24 August when nominations for candidates close. The second phase, which runs until voting ceases at noon on 13 October, encourages the public to vote.

Boards are elected by postal vote - in conjunction with local body elections. Election papers go out in late September and must be in by noon on 13 October. Candidates take up their roles in December and are expected to serve for three years.

There are 21 district health boards throughout the country and each is responsible for providing or funding healthcare services for the populations of their specific geographical area. This includes health and disability services, health planning, health promotion and protection, public hospitals and a range of primary, secondary and tertiary services. Budgets for the various boards will be determined on a population based formula.

Anyone considering standing as a candidate or wishing to know more about the elections can visit the Ministry of Health's website www.moh.govt.nz/electionsdhb or phone 0800 Participate (0800 727 842).

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