Cull steps down due to health
SOUTHERN District Health Board chairman Dave Cull is stepping down as he faces an ‘‘ominous health challenge’’.
Mr Cull (70) was a threeterm Dunedin mayor before he was elected to the health board a year ago then appointed chairman.
‘‘I have recently been diagnosed with a tumour on my pancreas,’’ he said in a statement yesterday.
‘‘I need to undergo further tests to give more clarity as to type, treatment and prognosis.
‘‘However, regardless of what those reveal, it is clear that I will need to devote 100% of my energy to confronting this ominous health challenge and supporting my whanau.’’
Mr Cull’s last day with the board will be next Thursday.
He said he appreciated the confidence the community had shown in electing him to the board, and then his appointment in December last year as chairman by the Minister of Health.
‘‘It has been a privilege to serve — albeit briefly — in that role.’’
He thanked SDHB chief executive Chris Fleming and his board colleagues for their support.
‘‘My best wishes go to the board and my successor as they confront the challenges ahead.”
Mr Cull was unable to be reached for further comment.
Mr Fleming said the board wished Mr Cull and his family well as they faced the future.
‘‘On behalf of Dave’s many friends and colleagues at the DHB, we are sorry we will no longer benefit from his immense expertise on the board and thank him for the significant contribution he has made so far as we transitioned from a commissioner to a board structure.’’
Deputy chairman David Perez will become acting chairman.
Mr Cull stood down as Local Government New Zealand president in August after a threeyear stint.