The Ashburn Hall Charitable Trust, which owns the Dunedin mental health and addiction clinic, welcomed Ray Anton, David Clark, Christine Garey and Mr Walker to their new roles on Monday.
Mr Walker, who is head of the social and community work programme at the University of Otago, said he wanted to take up the role as trustee because he was an advocate for wellness and felt mental health was not given the same priority as other parts of the healthcare system.
The trust did good things, such as working with Moana House, a residential therapeutic community for male offenders.
Board chairman Clive Matthewson said he was struck by the quality of people interested in joining Ashburn.
David Clark is the MP for Dunedin and the previous minister of health.
Ray Anton recently retired as the chief executive of Clutha Health First, while Christine Garey is a Dunedin city councillor.
Mr Matthewson said the clinic had been operating since 1882 and employed 80 people, while patients came from "all over New Zealand".
"The clinic’s historical reputation and current worth are clearly recognised," he said.
"We could have added even more people who are both high-achieving and community contributors."
It had been seven years since there was a newcomer to the board and it was now well placed for the impending retirement of three current members.
"Having new board members will bring energy and strengthen the whole team and institution."
