31 July 2007
Mental Health General Manager Resigns
Chris Harris, general manager of Waikato District Health Board's Mental Health and Addiction Services, has resigned.
Mr Harris has accepted a position as chief executive for Spectrum Care Trust, one of the country's largest providers of
care for children, young people and adults with an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder. The
organisation, which employs 1000 people, supports people living in residential homes in the community throughout the
greater Auckland/Waikato area.
"The role excites me and I look forward to making a positive contribution to the development of services," said Mr
Harris, who started with Waikato DHB in April 2000.
"I want to acknowledge the genuine sadness and heartache that has accompanied my decision to move beyond the mental
health sector.
"This has not been an easy role but I have been buoyed by the commitment, passion and dedication of staff and their
determination to make a positive difference to the quality of life and recovery for service users and their
families/whanau.
"I have really enjoyed the opportunity to be part of so many important forums that influence the workforce development,
quality, health equity, emergency planning and governance responsibilities of the organisation and to recognise the
determination of clinical and management staff as they face the massive challenges of meeting general public health
expectations in a resource constrained and politically tenuous environment," he said.
Waikato DHB health services general manager Jan Adams said Mr Harris had made a huge contribution to the mental health
sector and led a team that was well poised for further growth, development and service improvement.
"On a personal note I have enjoyed working with Chris and wish him well for the future in what will be a demanding role
which he will relish," said Mrs Adams. Mr Harris finishes on October 26.
ENDS