New Look South Island Alliance Board Appointed

News
23 May 2020

The South Island Alliance hosted the South Island Board induction day in Christchurch, on 13 March. Hon Dr David Clark, Minister of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health, and John Whaanga, Deputy Director-General Māori Health, met with new and existing South Island DHB members.

Following district health board (DHB) elections last year, the new-look South Island Alliance Board welcomes three new members. The Board is made up of the five South Island DHB Chairs; Jenny Black (Chair) of Nelson Marlborough DHB, Ron Luxton of South Canterbury DHB, and new members – Sir John Hansen of Canterbury DHB, David Cull of Southern DHB, and Hon Rick Baker of West Coast DHB.

Jenny Black says she has seen a lot of progress during her time chairing the Board over the past seven years. “While we have a long way to go yet, there have been many achievements to celebrate along the way. The five DHBs are now much more connected, as we continue to collaborate and ensure the delivery of a more sustainable and equitable service for all South Islanders – regardless of rurality, age or culture.”

In terms of regional planning, she says it’s essential that the whole South Island health system is connected – especially important in the new post-COVID-19 health environment. “It must work for everyone. And with three new faces on the Board for 2020, I look forward to working with them, to see how much harder and faster we can go.”Ron Luxton, who has been a member of the South Island Alliance Board since 2016, says that their vision is for a strong public health system for all South Islanders.

“We are constantly working towards a strong patient-centred public health system, where regional services are provided with adequate workforce and care as close to home as possible. This is an excellent opportunity to focus on integration of South Island IT services and providing a truly regional perspective on our future health learning.”

The South Island Alliance hosted the South Island Board induction day in Christchurch, on 13 March. Hon Dr David Clark, Minister of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health, and John Whaanga, Deputy Director-General Māori Health, met with new and existing South Island DHB members, as they listened and learned about Ministry of Health expectations and our region’s alliancing approach.Jenny would like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions from outgoing board members, Dr John Wood, Canterbury DHB, and Kathy Grant, Southern DHB.

South Island Alliance Board

Jenny Black (Chair), Nelson Marlborough DHB


Jenny started her career as a dietitian in 1982 and gained her understanding of the ‘healthy to illness’ health care spectrum during her professional practice. Jenny believes in keeping people well and providing care as close to home as possible. She has been Chair of Nelson Marlborough DHB since 2011.

Ron Luxton, South Canterbury DHB


Ron is a retired pharmacist, who owned and operated a community pharmacy in Temuka for 34 years. He is a member of many boards and committees, including chair of the Aoraki MRI Charitable Trust and director of the South Canterbury Eye Clinic. Ron has been part of South Canterbury DHB Board for the past 19 years, including 12 years as Vice Chair and three years as Chair.

Sir John Hansen, Canterbury DHB


Sir John is a retired judge of the High Court of New Zealand and a member of the Courts of Appeal in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. Formerly a member of the Hong Kong Judiciary; Board of New Zealand Cricket; Chair of Forsyth Barr Stadium, Sir John also held a number of post-earthquake roles in Christchurch.

Dave Cull, Southern DHB


Dave became the 57th Mayor of Dunedin in October 2010 and was re-elected in both the 2013 and 2016 mayoral elections. Before politics, he was a presenter for Television New Zealand and an author. David was appointed chair of Southern DHB in 2019.

Hon Rick Barker, West Coast DHB


Rick was raised on the West Coast and was an MP for 18 years and a Cabinet Minister for six. He was elected to the regional council in 2013, representing the Hastings constituency, and was appointed Deputy Chair three years later. Rick was appointed chair of West Coast DHB in 2019.

Published on: Saturday, May 23rd, 2020, under Uncategorised