The new Auckland DHB Chairs

David Clark announced:

Health Minister Dr David Clark has announced new chairs to lead Auckland’s three District Health Boards.

The Auckland, Waitemata and Counties-Manukau DHBs have had acting chairs since December following the resignation of Lester Levy, who had led all three boards.

“No one should underestimate the task of governance in our public health service. DHB chairs play a vital role overseeing the delivery of health services to New Zealanders.

“These are demanding and important roles. I am more than pleased with the calibre of people that have agreed to step up to lead the DHBs,” said Dr Clark.

The new chairs are:
•    Pat Snedden, Auckland DHB (from June 1)
•    Judy McGregor, Waitemata DHB (from June 10)
•    Vui Mark Gosche, Counties-Manukau DHB (from May 3)

“All three incoming chairs are experienced leaders with long records of public service. I know they will provide strong leadership and support the Government to deliver on our vision of a high quality public health service.

This is a mixed bag.

Pat Snedden is an experienced director and chair, and has specific health governance experience. He’s Labour aligned but no doubt a qualified person to be Chair.

Judy McGregor has a solid career behind her as a newspaper editor, academic and Human Rights Commissioner. But none of these are really core governance roles, let alone for such a difficult creature as a DHB. To be appointed Chair without having even been a Director first is risky.

Mark Gosche is of course a former Labour Minister. It is rare for a former MP to be appointed a DHB Chair. Not sure I can recall any others. As he is so associated with Labour, it means that any future problems at that DHB will see the Government held fully accountable as they appointed one of their own to be Chair.