He is just 21, ambitious beyond his years, and wants to carry his short lifetime of experience in hospital wards to the healthcare powerhouse that is a DHB boardroom.

'There was a period of years when I spent as much time in hospitals as out of them,” says Callum Hunter.

Callum Hunter, a would be DBH board member.

'So I know the system well enough to advocate for people of my age.”

He says, if DHBs are going to fully serve the needs of everyone, they need representation from all demographics and age groups.

Callum Hunter is trying to buck the trend. DHBs are normally the realm of medical professionals, mature individuals seasoned in governance and business.

He's young and he's coming from a position of disadvantage. Not that he sees it that way.

He has mitochondrial myopathy.

'It's just something that's there and has to be managed on a day-to-day basis,” says the would-be board member.

MM is a disease affecting the energy-making function of the cells.

”It means your muscles become a lot more tired a lot more quickly. But it's never stopped me from doing anything, including sport.”

And it wouldn't impede his ability to serve. 'Certainly not!”

The Bay of Plenty District Health Board spends $1.6 million a day, every day of the year, on community healthcare.

'That's a lot of money for anyone to be playing with. But it's more about having someone who can speak to the issues and bring added knowledge.”

He says he's aware with governance you don't get to change a lot. But he would target mental health.

'Especially as suicide is the biggest killer of 18 to 24-year-olds. It's really hurting,” says Callum.

'I think bringing to the board exactly what is happening to this generation, and being more open to ideas, and communicating with people who don't know a hell of a lot about what goes on with the DHB, can only be helpful.”

And the young advertising and communications student says medical professionals are fantastic, selfless people.

'But by necessity they have big egos and a forceful nature, to do their job. But I have grown up around these people and I am confident enough to speak up to them and enter dialogue with them.”

Callum says a social advocate from the hospital told him she was quite excited that someone like him was running for the board.

'She thinks I wold bring some freshness and some change to the organisation.”

There are equal amounts of youth and confidence.

'I would do it quite well. Governance and guidance go hand in hand and I could help the conversation where there isn't knowledge of this younger generation.”