Nominations for District Health Board Elected Members Open

Date: 22 July 2016

Nominations for the seven elected members on New Zealand's District Health Boards (DHBs) are now open.

District Health Boards have a critical role in the health system and it's important that community-minded people from a wide range of backgrounds consider standing for election, says acting Director-General of Health, Hamiora Bowkett.

'Boards have the challenge of governing multi-million dollar businesses and they need people with strong skills who are collaborative leaders and have an understanding of their communities, particularly those with high needs.'

The refreshed New Zealand Health Strategy released in April gives the health sector one direction for the next 10 years.

'Its themes – one team; people powered; smart system; closer to home; value and high performance – will guide the way our DHBs work. There will be a lot of change as the whole sector works harder at prevention and early intervention and being more responsive to consumers and communities,' says Mr Bowkett.

Boards comprise seven elected members and up to four members appointed by the Minister of Health

Information for prospective candidates is available on DHB websites or the Ministry of Health website:

http://www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system/key-health-sector-organisations-and-people/district-health-boards/dhb-elections.

Key Dates are -
12 August 2016 Nominations close (at 12 noon).
16-21 September 2016 Voting documents are issued
8 October 2016 Election Day – the end of the voting period
5 December 2016 Newly elected board members take office.

Note: Elections will not be held for Southern DHB in 2016.

ENDS

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