Relationships Aotearoa Board surprised to hear claims about transition planning
Today (Friday 19 June), the Relationships Aotearoa (RA) Interim Board were surprised to hear Ministry of Social
Development (MSD) official, Murray Edridge, had previously negotiated a managed exit of the service with RA’s former
chair. The society’s membership and management had no knowledge of such a plan.
In an article published by NZ Doctor (18 June 2015), Mr Edridge of MSD is quoted as saying a plan was negotiated with
the former Board chair, but that plan was refused by the membership.
“A special general meeting was called by members and held 14 May, which required the Board and management to present
plans for RA’s future. The Board’s plan only included a proposal for immediate closure, there was no mention of any
transition of services, clients, staff or sensitive client files,” says Dr Jane Allison, Interim RA Board Chair.
“To read in the media that Mr Edridge had negotiated a transition plan, and that the membership refused to accept it
leaves me incredulous.
“Where was this plan during our recent negotiations with MSD?,” she says.
ENDS