Janet Peters, a Tauranga registered psychologist and policy adviser, is throwing her hat in the ring for a seat on the Bay of Plenty District Health Board.

In announcing her intention to contest the upcoming board election, Janet says she feels excited by the prospect of further serving her community and helping to shape the future of local health services.

Janet Peters has decided to run for a seat on the Bay of Plenty District Health Board. Photo: Supplied.

'Through my extensive experience in mental health, public health and disability, I understand the health system and how we need to work differently to meet changing health needs.

'Limited funding means resources are already stretched. But health and wellness is vital for quality of life and it would be a privilege to direct local services on behalf of people of all ages.”

Janet has been inundated with positive messages since sharing her election bid plans and is delighted to have received a personal endorsement from long-time friend and Tauranga local, Dame Susan Devoy.

Dame Susan is New Zealand's Race Relations Commissioner and says Janet is the ideal person to represent Tauranga on the Bay of Plenty District Health Board.

'Her extensive experience in the health sector speaks for itself but it is her patient-centred approach to health care, combined with her empathy and compassion, that will be a valuable asset to this board,” she says.

Janet has enjoyed a career in the mental health sector for more than 30 years as both a psychologist and policy advisor. Last year she received a top Australasian mental health award in recognition of her work.

At the MHS Learning Network's annual conference in Canberra, she was presented with the Exceptional Contribution Award – an award which honours an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to mental health services.

Janet, who lives and works in Mt Maunganui, has served as a researcher and policy adviser on mental health issues for various government departments and non-government organisations, including the Mental Health Foundation, Health and Disability Commission, Ministry of Health and Health Research Council.

She is best known for her work, which continues today, on the National Depression Initiative – a campaign launched in 2006 to reduce the impact of depression and aid recovery in the lives of New Zealanders.

Her role involves identifying and supporting individuals who participate in the initiative's mass media advertising, including filming for television commercials. She has worked with former All Blacks John Kirwan and Pita Alatini and over the past year, has supported youth who have been filmed for The Lowdown – a website to help young New Zealanders recognise and understand depression or anxiety.

Her interest in psychology and people's wellbeing emerged as a result of having both her parents experience mental illness. Later in life, Janet cared for her elderly parents in Tauranga, an experience she says which gave her valuable insights into the community and hospital services available to older people - particularly dementia services.

'As a carer for my late parents, and having overcome health challenges myself, I can relate to some of the struggles people face in accessing services for either themselves or their loved ones. This has made me passionate about ‘patient-centred' care in our community.

'I'm pleased to see this is one of the key themes explored in the latest New Zealand Health Strategy. As a board member, I'd support services that take this approach here in the Bay of Plenty.”

The health strategy was launched in April and sets out the direction of New Zealand's health system for the next 10 years. Janet was one of the guest speakers at the launch, an event which saw her share some of her own personal health experiences and promote the need for a new approach to child trauma services that could fit the existing Whanau Ora health care model. It's her desire to see changes that promote resilience, strength and wellbeing among children.

In addition to contracting to various health organisations, Janet currently serves as New Zealand Liaison for the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership, a role she has had for 10 years. She is also a Director of Pathways Board, and a member of the New Zealand Film and Literature Board of Review.

Nominations for candidates for the seven elected positions on the Bay of Plenty District Health Board close on August 12. Voting papers will be sent out from September 16, with registered voters having until midday on election day, October 8, to have their say.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board Candidates:

Mark Arundel

Yvonne Boyes

Ron Chamberlain

Bev Edlin

Geoff Esterman

Richard Forster

Ron Fyfe

Carole Gordon

Marion Guy

Callum Hunter

Yvette Nora Lamare

Rob Moncrieff

Kirsten Marie Murfitt

Jane Nees

Peter Nicholl

Matua Parkinson

Janet Peters

Hylton Rhodes

Ron Scott

Judy Turner