Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health
1 December 2016 Media Statement
Minister announces DHB Board appointments
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has announced the appointed members of 19 DHBs, including seven new board chair
appointments.
“DHBs are on the frontline delivering $12.2 billion in important health services to their local communities,” says Dr
Coleman.
“Having the right people governing our DHBs is vital to ensuring New Zealanders around the country have access to the
health services they need.
“The newly appointed DHB members and chairs have a wide range of skills and breadth of experience, and will make a
valuable contribution.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing board members for their dedication and service.”
A total of 76 appointments have been made around the country, including 38 new appointments. Twelve chairs are
continuing in their roles while seven boards have new chairs. A total of nine members have been cross-appointed.
“The Government is continuing its drive for greater regional collaboration in the planning and delivery of health
services,” says Dr Coleman.
“Re-appointed Nelson Marlborough DHB chair Jenny Margery Black has been appointed chair of West Coast DHB.
“Similarly, Whanganui DHB chair Dot McKinnon has been re-appointed and also appointed chair of MidCentral DHB. Dr Lester
Levy, who chairs Auckland and Waitemata DHBs, will also chair Counties Manukau DHB.
“Andrew Blair has been appointed chair of Capital & Coast DHB and Hutt Valley DHB.”
In Canterbury, Sir Mark Solomon is one of three new appointments to the board. Sir Mark, the outgoing chair of Ngai
Tahu, has also been appointed deputy chair.
Former Associate Minister of Health, Dame Tariana Turia has been appointed a member of Whanganui DHB.
Four boards will be chaired by elected members - Northland, Hawke's Bay, Nelson Marlborough and South Canterbury. Seven
deputy chairs were also elected.
The new boards will start on Monday 5 December.
Southern DHB continues to have a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner team in place to implement a financially
sustainable plan to deliver quality health services.
Total DHB funding has increased by over $3.4 billion over the last eight years. Over 68,000 staff are employed by DHBs.
DHB board appointments list is attached.