Sent on behalf of the Mahitahi Hauora board

The Board of Mahitahi Hauora has received the resignation of its Chief Executive Phillip Balmer, who has chosen to pursue new opportunities. Mr Balmer has provided notice with his last day with Mahitahi Hauora on 12 March 2021.

The Board Chair, Geoff Milner, received the resignation on behalf of the Board and acknowledged the work Mr Balmer undertook for Northlanders when he joined in December 2018.

Mr Balmer has been instrumental during the establishment phase of the new single Northland Primary Health Entity on 1 July 2019. This work included leading people, systems and providers in the transition from two former PHOs (Manaia and Te Tai Tokerau) to Mahitahi Hauora.

“Like many organisations in the health system (Ministry of Health, District Health Boards and PHOs), these are uncertain times as we await direction from the Government over new structures.
"Mr Balmer has positioned Mahitahi to be whānau focussed first, a model of a Te Tiriti o Waitangi entity in practice, and begun the establishment and empowerment of six localities across Northland.

"The future will include whānau and community led decision-making alongside community, NGO, general practice, māori health and social service providers and Iwi irrespective of the final structural decisions soon to be announced by Government. We thank Mr Balmer for his 26 months of service in getting Mahitahi up and running” said Milner.

“The Board will not be seeking to replace Mr Balmer immediately. Rather, will be seeking to make an Acting CEO appointment to focus on the delivery of core business and progressing the establishment of the six Northland localities whilst we await Government announcements sometime between March and May 2021.

"Again, we thank Mr Balmer for his significant contribution during his tenure as CEO, and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours”.