Centralised healthcare lacks ‘local accountability’
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Bringing some healthcare decisions back into communities will help plug the gap in local accountability, say two North Canterbury mayors.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie said they were pleased Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand was considering local solutions for healthcare, but wanted to know more details on the plans.
In a major shakeup of the health system in 2021, locally-elected district health boards were scrapped and replaced with the centralised Te Whatu Ora.
However, in an interview with RNZ in February, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti indicated some health decision-making would return to the regions.
Responding to questions from Local Democracy Reporter, Reti said he expected to receive advice from the Ministry of Health soon.
This included future operating and funding models for primary and community care.
‘‘Community involvement in health service planning, with local solutions to local health challenges will remain essential to the delivery of health services,’’ he said.
‘‘These local groups should be involved in the design and delivery of services, so the healthcare focuses on the needs of, and is effective for, the community.’’
Local primary health organisations (PHOs), such was the Waitaha Canterbury PHO, played a key role in supporting their local communities and were providing input into Health NZ’s primary care development programme, he said.
The Government has also signalled Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards will play a key role in supporting high-quality community-led health care.
Gordon said since the demise of the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) there were gaps in ‘‘local accountability’’.
He is the council’s representative and deputy chairperson of the Waitaha Canterbury PHO board.
‘‘I have found since the centralsation of healthcare it has been a struggle to find local accountability. Even a local contact or authority to speak to.
This must be addressed.
Having a local voice close to the issues is vital.’’
The lack of a local board chairperson meant concerns would often be raised directly with the health minister, Gordon said.
‘‘The important thing for me is the patient and ensuring they are cared for and their needs are met, and if we have an issue, where do we go to get answers?’’
Black said retaining a local voice in healthcare was crucial, particularly for rural districts.
‘‘The important thing is we retain what we have and if we can increase health provision, that is where I would be lending my support.’’
She said the Hurunui District Health Services Group had been making good progress working with the former CDHB.
But this work had been on the backburner since the board was dissolved, ‘‘so whether there is the energy to reconsider this, I don’t know’’.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Georgina's Rhubarb Crumble
Craving a dessert that makes the most of spring's fresh produce? Look no further than Georgina's signature Rhubarb Crumble.
This delicious treat has become a favourite at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, where the sweet and tangy aroma often wafts through the air, tempting neighbours in for a taste. It’s also a hit with Georgina's 13-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, who loves serving it warm with gooey custard or a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.
Click read more for the recipe.
New Amberley cricket ground gets green light
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley is set to get a new cricket ground, despite some community opposition.
The Hurunui District Council approved plans to allow the development of the Amberley Village Green (formerly Eastern Reserve), to the east of the town centre, which will include a cricket ground, at a council meeting on Tuesday, November 26.
Around 120 submissions favoured the development of recreation in the reserve over a cricket ground, during the council’s recent reserve management plan consultation.
At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors approved a plan to install an irrigation system, with water sourced from a submersible bore pump.
Staff have been authorised to tender for the development of a playing surface, excluding the wicket block which will be developed by the Amberley Cricket Club.
A pathway around the perimeter of the reserve and public toilets will also be developed.
A cricket ground was first mooted for the reserve a decade ago when the land was set aside by the developer.
A budget of about $900,000 has been set aside, with 90% from development contributions.
An updated concept plan tabled at the meeting makes provision for other sports and activities such as basketball, a scooter track, a playground and car parking.
Several councillors expressed reservations about the proposed size of the cricket ground.
Councillor Garry Jackson said proposed the cricket ground was close to international standard and could be reduced by 20 percent and still be ‘‘appropriate as a village green club cricket ground’’.
While she acknowledged Jackson’s concerns, councillor Pauline While said the council needed to move forward, and councillor Fiona Harris said the cricket club had been ‘‘patient for long enough’’.
Councillor Robbie Bruerton said ‘‘it is being talked about as if it is only going to be used for cricket, but it can by used for any sport’’.
Councillor Vanessa McPherson voted against the proposal as she said the process had been ‘‘undemocratic’’ in the beginning.
‘‘I am concerned there is not enough funds for a decent children’s playground. I am angry and frustrated by this. It is so unfair.’’
Earlier in the meeting Amberley ratepayer John Weyers urged councillors to vote against establishing another cricket ground.
He said cricket is already being played at the Amberley Domain and ‘‘there is no reason why cricket and football cannot co-exist’’.
While there had been a dispute between the cricket and football clubs, he believed it has now been resolved.
‘‘Amberley is growing and we have an ageing population and a growing number of young families, but we are lacking spaces for recreation.’’
Councillors noted there has been confusion about the name of the new reserve, between the Village Green and the Eastern Reserve.
Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said ‘‘Village Green’’ was the name put forward by the council’s south ward committee.
Dobbie said the council’s reserve management plan will be presented to councillors at a future meeting for adoption.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Loading…
