FIX: Campbell drops SkyCity role; Submission deadline; PHO chases support

Interim Health New Zealand board chair Rob Campbell is retiring as chair of SkyCity Entertainment Group on 1 January.

Eyebrows were raised when experienced governance man Mr Campbell was appointed chair of the board, which will run public health services in a reformed health system, while at the same time chairing the entertainment group that includes six casinos.

In an interview with New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa when the board appointments were made in late September, Mr Campbell said he had no intention of stepping down from his role with SkyCity “at the moment”.

However, he added, “…I will give whatever time is necessary to make this a success…so that means any of my other positions I would relinquish in favour of this [HNZ].”

Asked whether he regarded gambling as a health issue, Mr Campbell said: “There are health issues associated with a wide range of activities. But, yes, there are health issues associated with gambling.”

Mr Campbell was appointed a SkyCity director in June 2017 and as board chair in January 2018. He is chancellor of Auckland University of Technology.

Next Friday 9 December is the deadline for submissions to the legislation that will enact the health reforms.

The Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill was introduced by health minister Andrew Little on 20 October and passed its first reading a week later with the support of the Greens and Te Paati Māori.

It has been sent to a special select committee, the pae ora legislation committee, which is chaired by Deborah Russell (Labour, New Lynn). The deputy chair is Tamati Coffey (Labour, List) and the members are: Liz Craig (Labour, List), Matt Doocey (National, Waimakariri), Elizabeth Kerekere (Green, List), Neru Leavasa (Labour Party, Takanini), Debbie Ngarewa-Packer (Te Paati Māori, List), Willow-Jean Prime (Labour, Northland), Shane Reti (National, Northland), Brooke van Velden (ACT, List) and Arena Williams (Labour, Manurewa).

The bill is intended to give effect to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its aims include:

• scrapping the 20 DHBs
• establishing Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority
• recognising Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards
• creating a hauora Māori group to advise the minister about the authority, and
• setting up both a Public Health Agency in the ministry and a new public health advisory committee.

As of today, 69 submissions appear on the select committee website.

The bill is expected to be passed next year and come into effect on 1 July.

READ MORE

Lawyer Sally McKechnie explains how the legislative process works and how you can provide feedback on, critique or support bills, when submissions are called for

https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/print-archive/power-pen-or-keyboard-having-say-future-health-law

Auckland PHO ProCare has today launched a website Reimaging Health, not to be confused with the Health and Disability Reforms Transition Unit website Future of Health.

In a media release, ProCare chief executive Bindi Norwell calls on any groups or organisations wanting to work with the PHO on localities to get in touch.

The Reimaging Health initiative states its aim as “supporting new ways of working across communities and providers to achieve better health outcomes, support equity in health and prepare for the reforms coming into effect”.

And, specifically, to provide information about the proposed localities, including a step-by-step framework to help support the development and management of localities.

The site lists practices and organisations that have given their support to the “vision and principles” of the localities approach, including Waitematā-based Comprehensive Care, consumer information provider Health Navigator and, through affiliation with collective Te Ora Puāwai, online pharmacy Zoom Pharmacy, Disability Connect and the Manukau Urban Māori Authority.