May 13, 2005
Media Release
Health issues facing Mäori and those living in rural and isolated communities will be the key themes for discussion when
the National Health Committee meets in Gisborne for two days next week. The visit will provide the committee with an
opportunity to hear first hand about the innovative health initiatives developed in the Tairawhiti region.
The National Health Committee (NHC) provides independent advice to the Minister of Health on public-funded health and
disability support services. Meetings are generally held in Wellington but as part of the committee’s programme of
consultation with stakeholders its May meeting will be held in the Tairawhiti District Health area. Committee members
will also hold discussions with Tairawhiti health and disability support service representatives.
National Health Committee Chair, Robert Logan said that the NHC regularly visits different parts of the country as part
of its remit to consult widely with people in the health and disability sector. By hearing from local people and groups,
the committee hopes to gain information for its current projects as well as ideas for future areas of work.
He said: “It is important to get the views of people and communities from outside of Wellington and to canvass the
issues that people face in different parts of the country.”
The NHC has a sub-committee, the Public Health Advisory Committee (PHAC) which advises the Minister of Health on issues
regarding public health. The PHAC will hold a health forum with local public health representatives. The committees will
also meet with Tairawhiti District Health’s Disability Services Advisory Committee and the Community and Public Health
Advisory Committee.
ENDS