Plain speaking a rarity

Here is some refreshing disagreement between health board members talking about health solutions for the poor, Maori and the aged. When you read comments like these it hits home forcefully that very little plain speaking ever sees the light of day.

Board member Jack Havill said it wasn't enough for the groups to rely on the DHB to fix their health problems, which ranged from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and more.

"What about personal responsibilities?" Dr Havill asked.

David Gilgen said the issue could not simply be solved within the DHB's portfolio. "We're looking at microscopic solutions to a macroscopic problem."

Dr Gilgen defended Maori, saying a prejudice in New Zealand hindered them from making a success out of their lives. "I've got Maoris who go to Australia; they're hardworking, they're reliable, they operate, but when they come back to New Zealand they're `lazy Maoris' again."

He said in a recent trip to the dentist he was asked if he was there for a Winz quote.

Gordon Blake said lower socio-economic people were jeopardising services provided by the DHB by not turning up to appointments and not supporting services in their area.