The departing head of Hawke's Bay District Health Board says the row that has dominated board affairs for the past several years has taken a huge toll on him and his family.
Chris Clarke leaves on Friday after announcing his resignation as chief executive two weeks earlier.
The row between board members and managers led to the sacking of the board, which was later reinstated in one of the more contentious moves of the new National Government.
Chris Clarke says it was his decision to resign, and he wishes the team well under Sir John Anderson, the commissioner appointed to govern the board.
However, he says the row had a huge effect on him and his family, who had eggs thrown at them and people crossing the street to avoid them.
He says his children were also hassled at school.
Mr Clarke does not have a job to go to and expects to head overseas with his family.
