Josh Chandulal-MacKay

Josh Chandulal-MacKay feels privileged to have been elected to the Whanganui DHB and to be able to contribute to their public health system. His involvement in health extends back to his school years when he began volunteering at Nazareth Rest Home and the Home of Compassion, providing assistance to diversional therapists and interacting with elderly people dealing with loneliness, cognitive decline and dementia, bereavement, and loss of independence.

While studying psychology and politics at Massey University, he completed training as a voluntary Youthline counselor and carried out that role for two years. In 2016 he completed his degree and returned to Whanganui where he was elected as a Whanganui district councilor and, in 2019, re-elected for a second term.

He is deputy chair of Youth Services Trust Whanganui which provides healthcare services for people aged between 10-24, and he joined the board of Age Concern Whanganui in 2019. He holds governance roles on St Anne’s Catholic School board of trustees and the Hakeke Street Community Centre Trust. He is also an independent marriage and civil union celebrant, enjoys a full social life in Whanganui, and is looking forward to focusing on equity and outcomes during his term on the DHB.