MASTERTON Mayor Bob Francis is adding yet another string to his bow after being named yesterday as the new chairman of the Wairarapa District Health Board.
Mr Francis will replace current chair, Doug Matheson, who has been at the helm of the board for six years, on November 28, ensuring he has no time to be bored when he retires from local government next year.
In addition to his new appointment, Mr Francis will continue into his 21st year of mayoralty next year. He was also recently appointed head of the board at Pukaha Mt Bruce and to the board of the Fire Service Commission.
He has a long history of involvement in further business and governance including UCOL, Skill New Zealand, and Works and Development Services Corporation Ltd.
Health Minister Pete Hodgson said it was this vast experience that made Mr Francis an excellent candidate for the health board position.
"Bob Francis ? will bring substantial governance experience to his position. I look forward to working with (him) to improve health outcomes for the residents of Wairarapa," Mr Hodgson said.
Mr Francis said he is looking forward to the challenge of his new position and feels confident his background experience will stand him in good stead.
He said he is prepared for a busy year period next year, at least until he stands down as mayor in September, but is looking to divest some of his commitments in the lead up to his November take over.
"I am obviously very much involved in the community but I am planning to hand over some responsibilities. I am sure I will be able to work through this and am looking forward to the challenge."
Mr Francis said Mr Matheson will leave "big shoes to fill" and he said he held him in high esteem for his achievements throughout the tenure of his term.
Mr Matheson was a member of the panel that interviewed potential candidates for the chairman's role, and said Mr Francis demonstrated the right capabilities for the position.
"Bob is quite involved with us already. He's shown an interest in the DHB for quite some time and has been very supportive of us all along.
"It's great to have someone local who has a passion for local issues."
Potential candidates for the position were either actively sought by the Ministry or asked to put their own names forward. After consideration by the panel, Mr Hodgson made the final decision.
Mr Matheson said he is looking forward to "hanging up his boots" after what he feels was a very successful term as chairman.
He started his involvement with the Wairarapa health system in 1992, when he chaired the committee that broke up Wellington hospital, and has since seen the health board through various restructures.
He said he is stepping down at a time when he feels the future of the hospital has been secured.
"When I was first involved, the hospital was running a terrible deficit, and had been for some time. It was really struggling to deliver services with the funding it was getting.
"The biggest thing for me has been getting approval for the new hospital. We also ran a surplus last year, so I really think we're finally there."
Mr Matheson said he feels he has helped create security for the hospital during his time, and assisted people to "see a vision".
He said he has a large amount of respect for the staff working within the board and is confident their professionalism and enthusiasm will see them do well in the future.
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