New Zealand First Leader’s Office
BOWEN HOUSE
PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
WELLINGTON

Telephone - (04) 471-9490
Facsimile - (04) 471-2042
28 November 2000

Hon Annette King
Minister of Health
Parliament Buildings
Wellington

Dear Minister

I write in response to your request for New Zealand First’s support for the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Bill.

Caucus has today considered the specifics of your memorandum of 28 November 2000.

They have a number of proposals which follow:

1. District Health Boards: There should be no more than 16 Boards, with a maximum number of 10 Board Members each, 50% of whom should be elected, and 50% appointed by Government.

2. There should be no reference to the method of electing these Boards contained in this Bill. Given the logistical difficulties of practical implementation by October 2001, this matter should be dealt with in the proposed Electoral Reform Bill which has been promised for introduction in this session, or by separate introduction.

3. Our Caucus has also noted its position that public health is for all New Zealanders and that the quality of health care is more important than skin colour. The Bill should reflect that view by omitting all mention of ethnic preference or appointment.

4. Further, we seek the establishment of a separate Commissioner of Mental Health as an Officer of Parliament.

Your views on these matters are urgently sought.

Yours sincerely

Rt Hon Winston Peters
Leader
NEW ZEALAND FIRST

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