Media Release
Date: 15 September 2008
Subject: Wairarapa DHB CEO takes up new challenge
Wairarapa District Health Board’s Chief Executive, David Meates, has accepted a new position as Chief Executive of
Canterbury DHB.
WDHB Chair, Bob Francis, has expressed the Board’s disappointment at losing David. “We are, however, delighted that
David has been recognised with the appointment to the second largest DHB in New Zealand,” says Mr Francis. “David has
been Chief Executive for five years and in that time has led the most significant changes and development in the history
of health service in Wairarapa. The region will forever be grateful for his outstanding contribution.”
Mr Meates has also made a significant contribution to national health issues. “During the past two to three years David
has played an important role in leading the DHB National Chief Executive’s Group and has been the Lead Chief Executive
with national pay talks.”
“David led a team which put forward an unarguable case for a new purpose built, modern hospital in the Wairarapa,” says
Mr Francis. “We all now enjoy the enormous benefit of this to the region. Our community is now accessing an increasing
number of services. We are witnessing major changes for the better in both Primary and Community health through a number
of new initiatives which is having a positive impact on the health status of our children, elderly and Maori
communities.”
“David will leave his position in December, with Wairarapa DHB in great heart and in a strong position to develop
further health services in the region.”
ENDS