Stepping up from DHB to council

Former Whanganui DHB chair Kate Joblin is leaving the health board and seeking a seat on the district council at the october elections.

More than a decade serving on Whanganui's district health board - and seven of them in the chair - gives city accountant Kate Joblin some solid credentials to take the step up to the district council table.

Ms Joblin confirmed her intention to stand for council yesterday saying she was committed to the community and taking this step from DHB to council "seemed a logical progression".

She said in her time with the health board it had seen a number of progressive changes including the rebuild of the acute services and theatre block at Whanganui Hospital as well as recovering its national reputation to be a leading DHB.

"I come with no particular axe to grind or fixed views other than a strong desire to keep the interests of our community at the heart of council business."

She said Whanganui was no different than most other provincial communities. These included managing the budget and spending ratepayer money wisely, attracting new business, maintaining infrastructure and providing services, and fostering a vibrant and thriving community where all can be safe and well.

"There's no doubt that council operates in a very complex environment and we need to manage that. At the same time we must get the basics right by taking a common sense approach to planning and be clear about what council wants to achieve," Ms Joblin said.

"We must balance the needs of the community today with the need to look to the future. Having good relationships with our partners is also a priority, because strong relationships will be critical to serving our community well."

She said she believed her experience as DHB member and chair, as director of various community organisations, and as a chartered accountant with her own practice in Whanganui gave her the skills to help take the council forward.

Ms Joblin has served on the boards of the Aubert Home of Compassion, the Whanganui Community Foundation (the latter years as the chair), St Mary's School, Sacred Heart College and Cullinane College. She has also been a trustee of Life to the Max, and a director of Nazareth Resthome Ltd, Whanganui City Health Ltd and Whanganui Accident and Medical Ltd.

"I grew up here and with my husband have raised six children. With parents, children and young grandchildren here, I am passionate, proud and committed to Whanganui. I fiercely want Whanganui to succeed but it must succeed for all of us".