Seminar for prospective DHB candidates – 9 August

MEDIA RELEASE
5 August 2004

Seminar for prospective DHB candidates – Monday 9 August

People thinking of standing for election in the upcoming Hawke’s Bay District Health Board elections have an opportunity to find out more about what it means to be a DHB board member; learn more about the election process; gain an insight into some of the health issues in Hawke’s Bay, and hear how Hawke’s Bay District Health Board is planning to achieve its goal of the healthiest families in New Zealand by 2008.

“We are holding a number of meetings over the next fortnight to help inform prospective candidates about the role and responsibilities of being a board member,” Mr Clarke said. “In tandem with the election seminars, we have arranged a series of community meetings to inform the wider community about Hawke’s Bay District Health Board activities.”

DHB chief executive, Chris Clarke said it was important that boards represented the community, and that members brought a diverse range of skills and ethnicities to the board table. “The Ministry of Health campaign for these elections is focusing on ‘real people with real experience’ reinforcing the fact that if you’re involved in your own business or community or sporting groups you may well have the skills required to play an active role on the health board.

“If your family’s health is important to you, and you have strong views about how health and disability services should be provided in Hawke’s Bay, and you want to play a part in the significant decisions that affect the health of our community, you should consider standing for election to the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board,” Chris Clarke said.

Nominations close at midday on Friday 20 August. Information packs are available at all council offices in Hawke’s Bay, and from the front reception at Hawke’s Bay Hospital, Hastings.

Election meeting details:

Monday 9 August – Meeting for prospective DHB election candidates 10:00am – 12:00pm
Hastings District Council Chambers. Peter Woodroffe, electoral officer will talk about the enrolment and election process. Board chair, Kevin Atkinson, will speak about the governance role of board members, and chief executive officer, Chris Clarke, will speak about Hawke’s Bay District Health Board.

Tuesday 11 August – Board chair, Kevin Atkinson will speak at a CHB District Council meeting, 7:00pm, Civic Theatre, Waipukurau.

Monday 16 August – Meeting at the Wairoa Community Centre for prospective DHB election candidates & anyone interested in health. 10:00am – 12:00pm DHB chief executive officer Chris Clarke, will be joined by Russell Snow, electoral officer.

Other meetings for people interested in health:

Wednesday 18 August – Meeting at the Civic Theatre, Waipukurau 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
This meeting will focus on the DHB’s priorities for the coming year, and discuss how the DHB plans to achieve its goal of having the healthiest families in New Zealand by 2008.

Thursday 19 August – Meeting at the Napier City Council Chambers 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
Board chair, Kevin Atkinson and CEO Chris Clarke will speak about the DHB’s priorities for the coming year, and discuss how the DHB plans to achieve its goal of having the healthiest families in New Zealand by 2008.

For information about DHB elections call toll-free 0508 9 10 2004 or visit www.moh.govt.nz/dhbelections

END

Key dates for 2004 DHB Elections

20 August – nominations close at midday
17-22 September - voting documents issued – start of voting period
9 October - election day - voting ends at midday
9 -16 October - special votes counted and official results declared
6 December - newly-elected board members take office

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