Check The Profiles

28 September 2001

The Ministry of Health’s Director of District Health Boards, David Curry, is reminding voters that profiles of candidates in the District Health Board Elections are included in the voting packs which were sent out last week.

“We have heard of people who have returned their voting papers without realising that the profiles of their candidates are in the pamphlet included with the Mayoral, Local Government and District Health Board voting papers.

Mr Curry believes the information about the candidates in the pamphlet should help people make better informed decisions.

There are well over 1000 District Health Board candidates nationwide standing for the 147 available seats.

“It may be difficult for people to decide who to vote for as some constituencies have more than 30 candidates standing for just one seat. Please take the time to consider all the candidates. And remember boards should work as a team and understand a wide range of different issues.” Mr Curry said.

This is the first time in over ten years that the public have had the opportunity to decide on the makeup of their health providers.

There are 21 District Health Boards throughout the country and each has seven elected seats with a further four board members being appointed later by the Minister of Health.

Voting is by post and for votes to count voting papers must be returned to appropriate Electoral Officer no later than Noon on 13 October.

Eligible electors who have not yet enrolled or updated their details have until Friday 12 October to enrol to vote in the elections. Enrolment forms are available at any Post Shop, by calling 0800 ENROL NOW (0800 36 76 56), or from the elections website at www.elections.org.nz. Electors who enrol during this time will also need to request special voting papers from the Electoral Officer at their local council.

For further information please contact –

Anne Erwin 04 495 4398
or
David Curry 04 495 4365
Ministry of Health

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