The Auckland District Health Board has decided to keep the name 'Starship' for the children's hospital. (Stupid name IMO, based
on it's alleged futuristic architecture).
TV3's 6p.m. news had several quotes from Lucy, here's a transcript:
Reporter (v.o. pic of the building): The name change was made without consulting the Starship Foundation, and the Health
Minister believes the [hospital] board showed a lack of committment to consultation. Annette King (Health Minister): They have
got an obligation to ensure they listen to their community, and the strong message they're getting, is that their community thinks
that the name Starship is a suitable name.
Lucy: Well, it defies logic doesn't it, I cannot see where they were coming from.
Reporter (v.o. building): The Starship Foundation has raised more than 20 million dollars for the hospital, and feared the loss of
the name would be a setback to fundraising. Foundation board member Lucy Lawless says the
District Health Board needs to realise what Starship stands for.
Lucy: Another one of the comments that were made was that Starship was not a special place, it _is_ a special place. We need to
protect it. And it's important for all kids from all over New Zealand. It's a national hospital.
Reporter (v.o. building): The Foundation also plans to fight today's suggestion it be called the Starship children's department.
Chairman Brian Mogridge says yet again the Foundation was not consulted about the new name
and that Starship is not just a department, rather a hospital.
Reporter (v.o. Lucy): The Foundation believes the board can do a full gracious backtrack.
Lucy: And I'm sure they can do that if they have the will.
