A dispute over the sacking of the Hawke's Bay District Health Board could soon be settled.
Five councils in the region sought a judicial review of a decision by the former Minister of Health, David Cunliffe, to dismiss the board on the grounds of financial mismanagement and poor staff relationships.
Since February, the hospital has been run by Government-appointed commissioner Sir John Anderson.
A review hearing scheduled for next week has been adjourned as the new minister, Tony Ryall, and the councils plan to meet.
Mr Ryall says he hopes a settlement can be reached and says it could involve the board and the commissioner working together.
Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott says she hopes the case can be settled to avoid any more expensive legal bills.
