Former National minister named Pharmac board chairperson

Former deputy prime minister and National MP Paula Bennett has been named as the board chairperson of drug-buying agency Pharmac.

Bennett served as a prominent Cabinet minister under John Key's National government and later held the position of deputy party leader during Simon Bridges' leadership in opposition.

Since retiring from politics, the prominent Aucklander has been working as the national director of customer engagement at real estate agency Bayleys.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour said Bennett brought a "wealth of experience to this role, extensive experience in governance and organisational change."

“As chairperson, Paula will lead the Pharmac board in their role of managing the pharmaceutical schedule and driving greater efficiencies and access to medicine for New Zealanders," he said in a media release.

"Globally, changes in medicine are making them more useful and presenting new opportunities for our health, while at the same time presenting new challenges that need to be navigated.

"I’m confident that Paula has the leadership qualities that will make her the best person to make the decisions needed to ensure that Pharmac is world-leading.

"Paula brings a wealth of experience to this role, with extensive experience in governance and organisational change.

"Her political career spans 15 years.

"During which she served as deputy prime minister and as a Cabinet minister, with portfolios including social development, associate finance, state services, social housing, police, local government, and tourism.

“As the minister for social development, she led significant reforms to the national welfare system.

"In her current role, she leads engagement with select corporate, government, large developers, and private stakeholders as the national director of customer engagement and advisory at Bayleys Realty Group."

Bennett will take up the role from 13 May.

Seymour continued: “I would like to thank Dr Peter Bramley, who has been serving as the acting chairperson, and am pleased that he will continue serving on the board."

Earlier this year, there was speculation Bennett could run for the Auckland mayoralty.

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