Errol Millar says he has been "absolutely staggered" by the warmth of the response from people from all walks of life to last week's news he would not be reappointed as chairman of the Southern District Health Board.
Speaking from the Canterbury A and P Show in Christchurch yesterday, where he is extolling the virtues of the Maniototo as part of the Maniototo Promotions Group, he said he was still receiving messages and had "clocked up" 500.
That figure included emails, texts and phone messages.
At the show, people who recognised him would "charge up" and want to talk to him, he said.
The messages complimented him on his work and wished him well, sentiments which were much appreciated.
Mr Millar, who was appointed by Health Minister Tony Ryall to the chairmanship of the Otago board after the sacking of Richard Thomson as chairman in February last year, was then given the task of chairing the super Southern board when it came into being in May.
He was keen to serve another term, but was advised by Mr Ryall that he was no longer required for the chairman's role on the new board.
Mr Ryall is expected to announce board chairmen at the end of this month. The new boards come into existence on December 6.
