There are only four days left to give feedback on how health and happiness can be improved in the Hokonui Locality.
The community engagement being undertaken by the locality comes to a close on Sunday. Established as part of the reform of New Zealand’s health system, the Hokonui Locality will plan and make recommendations for the delivery of healthcare services within the wider Gore District.
Its goal is to provide health-care and wellbeing services that meet the needs of local whanau and community.
The Hokonui Locality steering group comprises representatives from nine organisations including Hokonui Runanga, Southern Community Health Council, Gore Medical Centre, Gore Health, Te Hau o te Ora, Community Networking Trust and a mental health and addictions consumer representative.
Hokonui Runanga kaitoko matauranga Jo Brand said the group was focused on understanding the requirements of the community, so it could develop a plan to appropriately meet local needs.
‘‘We are asking people to tell us what they need to achieve health and happiness.
‘‘Knowing this will enable us to plan and deliver the right services, in the right way,’’ she said.
Community feedback was being gathered through a short survey. Responses received would inform the locality plan being developed by the steering group.
There had been a strong response so far and it was great to see members of the public getting involved, Ms Brand said.
‘‘But there’s still time to provide feedback. We have extended the deadline to Sunday to give people a little bit more time to have their say.’’
The survey form can be found in this edition of The Ensign.
Completed forms can be dropped off at the district’s medical centres and supermarkets or posted.
The survey can also be accessed from the Hokonui Locality website hokonuilocality.nz and completed online.
The information is also available in te reo Maori.
Those giving feedback can enter a draw to win one of six $250 gift cards.
