Time is running out for candidates

MEDIA RELEASE
August 9, 2013

Time is running out for candidates

Time is running out for candidates for the District Health Board (DHB) elections for Canterbury DHB.

People are being urged not to wait until the last minute to get their nominations in. Any New Zealand citizen, over 18 years of age and on the electoral roll can stand as a candidate.

To date just seven nominations have been received for CDHB:

George Abraham
Andrew Dickerson
Wendy Gilchrist
Tubby Hansen
Allison Franklin
Robin Killworth
Steve Wakefield

Forms and information packs for those considering standing are available from the Canterbury District Health Board's Electoral Officer at Electionz.com Ltd, Phone 0508 440 027 or email cdhb@electionz.com

The elections, carried out every three years, are done by postal vote, closing at 12 noon on Saturday, October 12.

The district health board elections are for seven positions, elected on an "at large" basis by enrolled residents of the Canterbury DHB area (extending from Kaikoura to Ashburton), meaning that they represent the entire population.
Following the election, the Minister of Health Tony Ryall may appoint a further four members, making a total of 11 members

Mr Ryall is encouraging local people to put their names forward for this year’s district health board (DHB) elections and help run organisations bigger than Sky TV and Auckland International Airport.

“DHBs are big operations. Some get over $1 billion a year in revenue – even the smallest DHB has a budget of over $120 million,” Mr Ryall says.

“A quarter of DHBs have revenues greater than a number of the 10 largest domestic companies listed on the NZX, including Sky TV, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, Auckland International Airport and Ryman Healthcare.

“Like company directors, DHB board members govern the organisation. They set the overall strategic direction for the DHB and monitor its performance.

“People who have served on DHB boards have found it an interesting and challenging experience that has contributed to their personal and professional development.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to contribute towards better health in their community to think about standing for election,” Mr Ryall says.

Candidate nominations are now open and close at midday on August 16.

For more information about how DHB boards work, standing for election and the nomination process, visit www.health.govt.nz/dhbelections

ENDS

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