Family Planning has a new president.

Christchurch IT consultant Andreas Prager was elected at the organisation’s annual general meeting yesterday, succeeding Dr Tammy Steeves who has held the role for six years.

Mr Prager noted that he is the first male president in the organisation’s 79-year history - succeeding 14 formidable women.

“Each and every one of these women has made an incredible contribution to our organisation, faced challenges of time, place and social attitudes,” Mr Prager told the meeting.

“For the new Council the work programme is about ensuring services are located in areas of most need, that sexual and reproductive health and rights are respected and protected by Government and policy makers, that we’re smart and savvy with technology and our services are as efficient and effective as possible.”

Family Planning’s new strategic framework with a focus on equity, access and choice was unveiled at yesterday’s meeting.

The new Family Planning Council is:

Andreas Prager (President), Dr Pauline Horrill (Deputy President), Janice Fredric, Nicole Rosie, Chris Nichol, Carol Bellette, Madeleine Hawkesby-Browne, Hokipera Ruakere, Dr Lily Fraser, Elizabether McLean, Te Kāhui Tapsell, Maira Haimona.