Canterbury & West Coast Branch
What We Do
The Canterbury & West Coast branch has unified operations to enhance its effectiveness in addressing public health concerns. This collaborative approach allows for a more comprehensive focus on the unique public health issues and challenges faced by these regions, as well as those across the motu.
By combining resources and expertise, the branch aims to improve outcomes and promote better health practices tailored to the specific needs of the communities served. Engaging with local populations and understanding the nuances of each area's public health landscape will be central to their initiatives moving forward.
The Canterbury & West Coast branch brings together likeminded public health professionals to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge and expertise.
The Canterbury & West Coast branch explores opportunities within Canterbury, West Coast and nearby areas to work with their communities in addressing specific public health challenges and promote health equity.
With the support of the PHANZ National Office, the Canterbury & West Coast branch contributes to the development of public health policies and strategies aimed at improving the health and well-being of the New Zealand population.
The Canterbury & West Coast branch generally meet on the first Tuesday of each month at Community and Public Health, 310 Manchester Street, Christchurch.
To become a member of the Canterbury & West Coast branch, you must be a PHANZ member.
Branch Committee
Co-Chair (soon to be vacant): Portia Sutherland
Portia has a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree from the University of Otago, majoring in Public Health with a minor in Politics. She is currently a Health Promoter at Te Mana Ora (working for Te Whatu Ora Waitaha and the National Public Health Service) and is focused on alcohol as a determinant of health, and how we work with communities at multiple levels to minimise its associated harms.
Co-Chair: Christina Mckerchar
Christina (Ngāti Kahungunu, Tuhoe, Ngāti Porou) works as a lecturer at the Department of Population Health at the University of Otago – Christchurch. She has a background in nutrition but is broadly interested in the impact of unhealthy commodity industries impact on Hauora Māori. She has also researched food security, food sovereignty and sustainability, transport and social housing.
Treasurer: Martin Witt
Martin Witt works as the Health Promotion Manager for the Cancer Society of New Zealand, Canterbury and West Coast Branch. He is an experienced health promoter and has had a long involvement with the PHA.
Members are elected to officer roles at Branch Annual General Meetings (AGMs).
If you’re interested in putting yourself forward for one of the vacant roles, please contact the Branch Chair by completing the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Key
Documents
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DOWNLOAD HERE
Contact us
If you would like to join the Canterbury & West Coast branch, become a branch officer, or you want more information on how to get involved, please get in touch!