Tena koutou katoa / Greetings all

I am Honoria Ropiha, of Ngati Kahungunu descent.  I am a mother,  raised in Hastings, presently living in Napier,  with whanau connections from Mahia to Porongahau - I will seek to represent communities throughout the Bay.

I am standing because I believe there is a need for better governance of our DHB, in order to protect and strengthen health services delivered within our communities.

With my academic background in Health System Services (post-graduate), and employment within the health sector, I have the knowledge and experience to ensure that our DHB regains focus on what is important – the delivery of high quality health services.

If elected my focus will be on:

-          Effective, transparent governance processes;

-          Fair, equitable funding decisions focused  on needs;

-          Strengthening access to health services.

I bring to the board table integrity, diligence, and a sincerity to serve our community.

Top 5 Issues

1. Effective, transparent governance processes
2. Fair, equitable funding decisions focused on needs
3. Strengthening access to health services
4. Strengthen and maintain robust intersectoral working relationships, including relationship with iwi
5. Strengthen and maintain working relationships within the DHB and across the health sector.

Personal Profile

PROFILE

I am Honoria Ropiha a 39 year old woman determined to position myself in a decision making, and leadership role within the health sector.   

I am the youngest of 5 daughters to the lovely Ka Ropiha (nee Kahukura) from Whakaki, and the late Puck (Puhi) Ropiha who was raised in Porongahau.   I have a teenage daughter named Seattle.   I was raised in Havelock North and Flaxmere.    I moved away from the Bay in 1990, returning home with my daughter in 2003, and now  I live in Napier with my partner Will.

I am standing as an independent candidate for the HBDHB elections because I believe there is a need for better governance of our DHB, in order to protect and strengthen health services delivered within our communities.  I also believe that the DHB require young, knowledgable and motivated members to move our health forward towards the future.

With my academic background in health system services, health policy and health economics, and employment within the health sector, I have the knowledge and practical experience to ensure that our DHB regains focus on what is important – the people and the delivery of quality health services.

I have worked as a group fitness instructor, Green Presciption Coordinator, Healthy Lifestyle Coach, Nutrition and Physical Activity Coordinator, and Suicide prevention Coordinator.  I have delivered services to individuals, groups, government and non government agencies; in medical practices, community settings, over the phone and within client homes.

I believe my work experience, knowledge of population health and the New Zealand Health system has provided me with skills which should be utilised at a governance level.

 

EDUCATION

• Post Graduate  Public Health – Public Health Policy, Health Systems and Health Economics (2010) Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago
• Post Graduate Certificate in Health Science - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (2008) Eastern Institute  of Technology
• Bachelor of Recreation & Sport Science (2003-2007) Eastern Institute of Technology