Community Involvement

The Board is committed to keeping the community informed about its activities and ensuring that the community has the opportunity to have input into planning and other board processes, recognising that this will enhance decision-making.

The Board has a range of community involvement policies that detail the intentions and various processes that can be used.

There are several levels of involvement from the Board giving the community information, through to more active participation, where the Board and community work together to make decisions.

Some of the main ways in which the community can be involved are:

• Election of Board members in the three-yearly local body elections (next election is in October 2004)
• Each statutory Advisory Committee has some members appointed from the community. These committees are also a conduit for access to the Board
• Board and Committee meetings are open for the public to attend and there is access to the agendas and minutes
• The Iwi Health Board provides a formal linkage with the Māori communities of the region
• The opportunity to make submissions to the planning and funding division about service issues. If you would like to make a submission about a service gap or other issue, there are some guidelines to assist you with doing this
• Establishment of Advocacy and Expert Reference groups and other planning groups
• Consultation processes on planning issues (e.g. draft Strategic Plan, rural health services)
• Some committees such as the Quality Improvement Council have lay or consumer representation
• Providing feedback about specific services that you have used through our customer satisfaction surveys or other feedback processes (see Your Rights on this website)
• Attending meetings and forums with service providers and other organisations and individuals
• Participation in Community Health Groups

Contact Us

To find out more about any aspect of community involvement, contact

Claire McKenzie
(03) 546-1800
claire.mckenzie@nmhs.govt.nz