ESG members include the ministry’s capital investment committee chairman and Christchurch Hospital Redevelopment Partnership Group member Evan Davies, former Southern Partnership Group member and present Auckland District Health Board chief medical officer Dr Margaret Wilsher, Nelson Marlborough District Health Board chief medical officer Dr Nick Baker, civil engineer and Christchurch Hospital Redevelopment Partnership Group member Dr Tony Lanigan, and Southern District Health Board chairman Pete Hodgson.
The appointments were approved by director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield and have been endorsed by Cabinet.
Dr Bloomfield said a local iwi representative would also be nominated, and would work with Te Runanga o Otakou and Kati Huirapa ki Puketeraki, in consultation with Ngai Tahu leadership.
An international expert with experience from an overseas health infrastructure body, would also be appointed.
He said Mr Davies would chair the ESG, which will support the new Dunedin Hospital project through the next stages.
Mr Davies is a qualified planner and has widespread interests in property development, city planning and urban issues, as well as other business interests in farming and viticulture.
From 1996 until 2007, he was the founding managing director of gaming and entertainment company SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd.
While at SkyCity, he oversaw the purchase, design and development of several establishments in New Zealand and Australia, including Auckland’s Sky Tower and associated SkyCity entertainment complex.
In 2008, he became the director of Todd Property Group.
He is also a trustee of several substantial charitable organisations and a director of several public sector enterprises.
Dr Bloomfield said along with Mr Davies, the ESG members would provide a mix of strong clinical and industry expertise.
"Local input to the project will continue to be important.
"In addition to a local iwi representative on the executive steering group, the local advisory group in Dunedin will continue to provide local advice and insights."
Dr Bloomfield said the ESG was expected to hold its first meeting in Dunedin in late January, when the draft terms of reference will be refined by the group.
The full hospital business case is due to go before Cabinet for sign-off in February.
"The Southern Partnership Group will be disestablished on December 31, and will assist the new ESG to ensure a smooth transition.
"Representatives from Treasury, Infrastructure Commission, Capital Investment Committee and Local Advisory Group will also attend the meetings."
