Editorial

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

The decision by Health Minister Tony Ryall to jettison Kate Joblin as chair of Whanganui District Health Board is a hard one to swallow ... and it is likely to cause some indigestion among the local community.

Ms Joblin attracted most votes in the health board election in October - a seal of approval if one were needed - and her efforts over some difficult times for local health services has rightly been commended by Whanganui MP Chester Borrows.

But this popular and effective leader is being replaced, at Mr Ryall's insistence, by a woman who was not elected by the good folk of Wanganui and who has not served on the health board before.

In his press release yesterday, the minister offered no explanation for the change. One would be most curious to know his reasons.

If political expediency is behind it, that would be most disappointing.

The Chronicle has had its inevitable run-ins with the district health board, but Ms Joblin has always dealt with any disputes without rancour and with a neat ability to see both sides of the argument.

Her tact, diplomacy and fairmindedness are her strengths and made her eminently suitable for chairing the, at times, divided health board members.

It has been a challenge she has more than matched up to, and she will be missed in that key role.

Like Ms Joblin, we wish Ms McKinnon well as she steps up to the plate.