Our Steering Committee represents the needs of the community. Its members include:
- John Glover, Mayor, Queenstown-Lakes District
- Joseph Mooney, Member of Parliament for Southland (Governance Lead)
- Miles Anderson, Member of Parliament for Waitaki
- Tamah Alley, Mayor, Central Otago District
- Todd Stephenson, ACT List Member of Parliament.
The Steering Committee appoints a Working Group to lead key parts of the project on its behalf, representing the wider community and partner organisations involved.
The Working Group was formed from an initial group of interested health leaders, clinicians and councils, and now includes more than 20 senior leaders who are directly involved in delivering health and community in the Southern region. While different members contribute to different parts of the work, a core group meets weekly to guide progress and keep momentum strong.
The core group includes leaders such as the Regional Deputy CE Te Waipounamu for Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora, CEO of Primary Health Care’s WellSouth, Service Manager of Lakes District Hospital, GM of Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital, and QLDC’s Strategic Growth Manager.
As a locally based, non-partisan, community-embedded leadership group, we bring together health professionals, community leaders, and experienced advocates. We have already earned the confidence of key decision-makers, and our collaborative approach ensures alignment across sectors. We will ensure Otago Central Lakes doesn’t miss this once-in-a-generation opportunity for meaningful health system change.
Individuals and reference groups that are kept informed include:
- Simeon Brown, Minister of Health of New Zealand
- Mark Patterson, Minister Rural Communities, Associate Minister Agriculture, Associate Minister Regional Development
- Matt Doocey, Associate Minister of Health with delegation for Rural Health
- David Seymour, Minister for Regulation of New Zealand
- James Meager, Minister for the South Island
- Bill English, Former Minister of Finance
- Health NZ Commissioner and Executive
- Geoff Short, Deputy Director General- DHB Performance and Support, Ministry of Health / Manatū Hauora
- MSD representatives
- ACC representatives
- WellSouth Board
- Central Otago Health Services Limited (COHSL) Board
- Whaiora Grow Well Partnership for Queenstown Lakes (incl. Central Otago)
- Health Action Wānaka
- Health NZ Southern Leadership Team
- Lakes District Hospital Foundation.
