MEDIA RELEASE
Subject: CDHB Chief Executive To Retire In November
Canterbury District Health Board Chairman Alister James regrets to announce that Chief Executive Gordon Davies has
decided to retire later this year at the end of his contract with the Board.
Mr James said Mr Davies’ three-year contract, which began in 2005, would expire in mid-November. “The Board offered to
extend his term but Mr Davies decided, after consultation with his family, decided not to accept the offer."
“Gordon has done an impressive job in what must be one of the most challenging managerial positions in the country. A
billion dollar organisation with nearly 8,500 staff, which funds and provides the vast majority of health services in
the region."
“The CDHB and its predecessors and the New Zealand health service generally, have benefited considerably from a lifetime
of Gordon's service. He continues to work very hard long hours for us to improve our services."
“It has been reassuring to have someone with his depth of knowledge at the helm and the very positive direction in which
he has taken the DHB is one we will certainly wish to continue with the new Chief Executive."
Advertising for the Chief Executive position will begin this Saturday 14 June.
Mr James said Mr Davies began working at the then North Canterbury Hospital Board in 1960 and had contributed much to
the health and disability sector during his career.
Mr Davies has worked as a Deputy Chief Executive (Canterbury), Chief Executive (Waikato), and as General Manager
(equivalent to a CEO role) of the then Canterbury Area Health Board while it was transforming into several companies.
After that, he spent several years as IHC General Manager Southern, gaining experience in the disability sector and
leading an Industry Training Organisation.
He also worked at a national level for the former Department of Health and, before taking up his role as CDHB Chief
Executive, was Deputy Director- General DHB Funding and Performance at the Ministry of Health.
Mr Davies has also been involved and contributed at a senior level to all the reforms that have occurred in the health
service since the 1980s.
Until he retires, Mr Davies will continue to work with the Board to progress plans that are already in place or
evolving. These include moving to a more cohesive health system in Canterbury and involving clinicians more in planning
and management.
Mr Davies said he would continue to pursue some health and disability interests after leaving the CDHB.
ENDS