All DHB members were responsible to the health minister rather than their local community. Fees paid to chairs, deputy chairs and members varied according to the size of the DHB area and ranged from about $13,000 to $80,000 for chairs, and $6510 to more than $40,000 for members.
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Professor Robin Gauld, of the University of Otago’s Centre for Health Systems and Technology, says health board fees will be better spent on improving skills and expertise within the public health system rather than on consultants. The health minister decided how much each DHB member received based on a fees framework for board members of Crown entities.