Health Minister, Simeon Brown, has announced a new Chair and members for the Board of Health New Zealand, with Mark Darrow to take the reins for a three-year term, commencing 1 May.
Michael Schubert and Dr Bryan Betty have also been appointed to the Board.
“Mr Darrow is an experienced board chair and director with a strong track record across both the private and public sectors, including health. He brings expertise in finance, audit, risk, and assurance, which will be critical to driving performance and accountability,” Mr Brown says.
“Mr Schubert is a professional director experienced in supporting organisations with financial stewardship, audit and risk, and organisational change. He has governance experience in complex, highly regulated environments, including in health.
“Dr Betty is a specialist general practitioner who is well-respected as a sector leader and who has considerable governance experience. He will bring additional clinical and health system expertise to the Board, particularly in relation to primary care, which is a key priority for the Government.”
Mr Brown says the Government is focused on building a health system that puts patients at its centre, and tangible improvements are being delivered.
“Since its re-establishment on 1 July, the Board has made strong progress in reducing waiting lists, improving health outcomes, and strengthening financial discipline. This underlines the importance of strong governance, particularly in audit, risk and accountability.
“As we look ahead, the Board will play a key role in supporting the transition to a nationally planned, locally and regionally delivered health system. From 1 July, this will shift decision-making closer to patients, communities and frontline services, helping ensure care is more responsive to local needs.
“Our Government is committed to rebuilding a healthcare system that works for New Zealanders, and these appointments put us in a strong position to continue delivering on that.”
