He said generic skills needed included financial literacy, strong reasoning skills and an understanding of governance responsibilities, as opposed to management responsibilities.
Lakes DHB had total revenue for the current year of $390 million and is the biggest employer in the district, with about 1500 staff.
Nominations for the Lakes DHB open on Friday July 19 and close on Friday, August 16.
Nomination forms, with the deposit of $200 and the completed conflict of interest statement must be handed to the Rotorua or Taupo District Council before the deadline of midday, August 16.
Three-yearly elections for elected members of all local bodies throughout New Zealand, including district health boards, are to be conducted by postal vote later in the year, with polling closing at midday on Saturday October 12.
Saville-Wood said the aim of every health board was to have members with a mix of skills and experience from a range of different backgrounds who are from across the board's area including Taupō, Tūrangi and Mangakino.
The board's role was one of stewardship, direction-setting, and monitoring the DHB's overall performance against its goals, he said.
The information evening would be held at the boardroom on the Rotorua Hospital campus, at 3pm on Monday July 1.
Key information
What: Information session for people thinking of standing as a Lakes DHB candidate in the upcoming elections
When: Monday July 1, 3pm to 4.30pm
Where: Boardroom, Rotorua Hospital campus
Speakers: Board chair Deryck Shaw, chief executive Nick Saville-Wood, Lakes DHB electoral officer Warwick Lampp
Got questions? Email sue.wilkie@lakesdhb.govt.nz