Would you like to have a say in the future health of Tairawhiti? Then why not find out more about standing as a candidate to become a district health board member.
A team from Tairawhiti District Health Board will be joining in the workshop for prospective candidates in this year’s local government elections on Tuesday 9 July at 5.30pm at Gisborne District Council Chambers.
“The candidates evening on 9 July is an chance for people interested in standing in the 2013 elections to learn more about the nomination and election processes and the roles of councils and elected members. It’s also a chance to have any questions answered,” said chair David Scott.
“The role of the board is to work to improve the health outcomes and enhance the health status of our Tairawhiti population.”
Mr Scott said he encouraged anyone who wanted to make a difference in the local community to stand.
“After all, local democracy is fundamental to our community and provides the opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard. District health board members are elected to represent the views and interests of all citizens.”
As a district health board, Tairawhiti District Health is responsible for planning, funding and providing quality health and disability support services for the 46,000 people living in the Tairawhiti region. It has an annual budget of $160 million and employs more than 800 people.
As a district health board, Tairawhiti District Health is responsible for planning, funding and providing quality health and disability support services for the 46,000 people living in the Tairawhiti region. It has an annual budget of $160 million and employs more than 800 people.
Tairawhiti District Health has an eleven member board, with seven members elected and four appointed by the Minister of Health. A twelfth member is the chair of the Te Waiora O Nukutaimemeha, an advisory committee representing Maori. Three other statutory advisory committees also contribute to the governance and direction of the district health board. They work within national frameworks set by the Government.
Primary health care services and community-based care are delivered through providers such as primary health organisations (PHOs), GP's, Maori health providers and disability support providers that are funded by Tairawhiti District Health.
“We need a range of elected members of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to represent the diversity of our community,” said Mr Scott.
Anyone over the age of 18 can stand for election as long as they are a New Zealand citizen and enrolled on the electoral roll.
Nomination forms for candidates for the DHB positions are available at Gisborne Hospital, Gisborne District Council and Te Puia Springs Service Centre. Nominations open on 19 July and close on 16 August 2013. Voting papers will be sent out from 20 September 2013 and must be mailed to the council by Election Day, 12 October 2013.
For more information on standing as a district health board candidate visit www.tdh.org.nz.