20 May 2019

After five years leading the development of Canterbury’s Health Precinct Advisory Council (HPAC) its Independent Chair, Professor Ian Town is stepping down.

If there’s one thing Ian Town believes in, it’s the power of collaboration. For the past five years, his abilities to bring parties together, think creatively, and work towards a broader vision for future health have made him a forceful and inspirational Chair of the Council.

Town steps down from the Council at the end of June, but leaves a legacy of collaborative action harnessing the collective aspirations of each of the HPAC partners that has laid a path for a bright and exciting future for health, research, education and innovation in Canterbury.

Canterbury DHB Chief Executive Officer David Meates, said Town’s contribution to the success of the Health Precinct Advisory Council cannot be understated.

“Ian’s energy, connections and drive have moved this project forward in a way that sets a clear path for the future. The Council has brought key players in health delivery and research together and working collaboratively in a way that we could not have even imagined before the earthquakes.”

Te Papa Hauora is a hub of a creativity and integrates healthcare, research and innovation, education and industry as well as spearheading key projects that brought the community into the heart of the project through public research talks, leadership development for students and the 48-hour health challenges.

“There is a real commitment on the part of all the Council to keep talking, sharing resources, and doing things differently. The groundwork has been laid to ensure we continue to lead the world in healthcare design and delivery.

“Canterbury is rapidly earning a name as a place that attracts talent in healthcare, research and education from around the world, and that is thanks in no small part to Ian’s contribution to the Council.

“Ian has agreed to stay on in the role until such time as a new Chair is selected in June. The new Chair will bring fresh eyes and energy to this important role as the Council prepares for the next period of growth and development,” David Meates said.

Anyone who wishes to express an interest in the Chair role should contact Baden Ewart – badenewart@xtra.co.nz.

Ian credits much of the success of the Council to the shared vision and determination of those who have been part of the Council since inception in 2014: Ara, the University of Canterbury, Ngai Tahu (through Matapopore), the DHB, and the University of Otago. He said the Manawa building project was an example of what can be achieved when parties work together. “It’s a magnificent facility which is already proving its worth.”

“I’m immensely proud of our collective achievements, and will be watching with great interest to see the Health Precinct vision and new developments come to life over the coming years,” Ian Town said.

ENDS

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