Public Health Association Rates CCDHB Candidates

Wellington Branch of the Public Health Association media release

Monday 19th September 2016

Public Health body rates Capital and Coast DHB candidates

A scorecard rating the Capital and Coast DHB candidates will be released tomorrow by the Public Health Association, following a ‘meet the CCDHB candidates’ event that is open to the public.

“Choosing competent DHB candidates is vital, especially since the cash-strapped DHB will have some tough decisions to make over the next three years,” says Jude Ball, Chair of the Wellington branch of the Public Health Association. “The DHB candidates’ statements in the election handbook give voters little to go on, so the Public Health Association is helping by hosting a ‘Meet the CCDHB Candidates’ event and making our own assessment of candidates.”

The scorecard is based on a survey, and rates candidates on their governance and health sector knowledge and experience, and their position on three key policy areas that are priorities for the PHA: water fluoridation, population health and equity.

“The Public Health Association is about promoting good health for everyone, based on evidence-informed public policy, and easy access to appropriate services, regardless of income or ethnicity. The candidate statements that come with the voting papers don’t necessarily address the key issues that the Public Health Association is interested in, so we decided to make our own assessment. We rated candidates based on their alignment with Public Health Association values and priorities,” says Ms Ball.

“It’s great to see that out of the 20 candidates, there are some extremely experienced and competent individuals standing,” says Ms Ball. “Health touches all of us, so we urge people to get informed and make their vote count,” says Ms Ball. “Voters need to make up their own minds and we encourage people to come to the meeting on 20 Sept and put their own questions to candidates, and read the full survey results on the PHA website.”

To help ensure that all candidates get a fair hearing at the PHA event on Tuesday evening, the scorecard, along with details about how the scores were calculated, will be available on the Public Health Association website www.pha.org.nz only after the close of the meeting.

The Public Health Association is a voluntary organisation whose goal is to improve the health of all New Zealanders by promoting public health and influencing public policy. The Wellington Branch has about 70 members who work in research, policy, health promotion, and in front line roles in health and social services.

Details for the Meet the CCDHB Candidates Meeting are: Tue 20 Sept, 6:00pm -7:30pm, St Johns Hall, Corner Willis and Dixon Streets. Doors open 5:45, light refreshments provided, entry by koha.

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