Stroke Tairāwhiti ‘yes’ to merger

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The likely amalgamation of the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand (SFNZ) and Stroke Tairāwhiti Incorporated (ST) took a big step forward yesterday with local members voting unanimously in favour of the proposal at their AGM.

Members were told the merger would allow both parties to reduce strokes, improve services and outcomes, and save lives.

All services provided by both parties would remain available, but will be provided officially by SFNZ with ST being dissolved.

Stroke Tairāwhiti manager/co-ordinator Caroline Callow said the two organisations, in working together, could better meet the needs of the stroke-affected community in the new health system created by the establishment of Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ), featuring the country's 20 former health boards and Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority).

ST will become part of the Stroke Foundation's Midland Region team which covers the central North Island.

SFNZ chief executive officer Jo Lambert said ST's services would not lose any funding under amalgamation, and would get a share of other funds.

Replying to questions from the floor, Ms Lambert said each region offered different services.

There were swimming groups in Auckland and singing groups in Hamilton.

Gisborne would not lose any services.

“We will be encouraging the level of involvement you have had in the past.”

There would be new services.

For instance tablets and tablet literacy was being trialled elsewhere.

ST president Jan Ewart, speaking before the AGM, said there were many benefits to be gained from joining New Zealand's national stroke organisation, while maintaining the local workforce, services, and community connections.

Both bodies have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), with the merger planned to take effect from December 31.

The current ST committee will continue until the amalgamation is completed

Ms Lambert said there was a process and the entire transition could take 12 months.