About us

HB Health Consumer Council

Our history

The Hawke’s Bay Health Consumer Council (HBHCC) was set up mid-2013 and we are proud to say it was the first of its kind in New Zealand. Since then, consumer councils have been set up in a number of other regions. HBHCC members have varied backgrounds and links to community groups and networks. This diversity helps us to make sure the council is a good representation of our community.

What we do

Provide a strong and viable voice for the community and consumers in the areas of health service planning and delivery.
Work with the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) and Health Hawke’s Bay Ltd (Primary Health Organisation (PHO)) to help ensure our health system has consumers and whānau at it's centre and it meets the needs of our people.
Seek to enhance consumer experience and improve equity.
Provide input, comment and feedback on many initiatives, as well as being involved in working and steering groups that support those initiatives.

Executive support is provided to the HBHCC team by Emma Foster (Executive Director of Planning, Funding & Performance) supported by Marie Beattie (Systems Lead, Community) for Planning Funding & Performance. Hawke's Bay Clinical Council and Health Hawke's Bay (PHO) attend HBHCC meetings in a liaison role.

Members serve for a fixed term. At the end of that term they may be reappointed, but are able to serve no more than three consecutive terms. Each year in June the HBHCC seeks to fill any vacancies that may have arisen as members retire. Vacancies may also occur outside of this time period if a member resigns for any other reason.

HBHCC meets on the first Thursday of each month (except January). Currently meetings are held at Te Waiora Room, Hawke's Bay District Health Board Corporate Office, 2nd floor, Cnr Omahu Road and McLeod Street, Hastings. Meeting time is 4pm-5.30pm and open to the public unless otherwise advised.

MEMBERSHIP HAS REDUCED RECENTLY AS WE ARE CURRENTLY RE-FORMING THIS GROUP TO ENSURE WIDER CONSUMER REPRESENTATION WITH ENHANCED CONSULTATION INPUT.