Te Whatu Ora Chief Executive Fepulea’i Margie Apa has today announced the appointment of Andrew Slater as Chief People Officer.

Ms Apa says Andrew, who will commence his role in April 2023, has the skills and experience to support the organisation’s very capable workforce.

Andrew was the founding CEO of Whakarongorau Aotearoa / New Zealand Telehealth Services, leading a number of digital health services including the National Telehealth Service. Andrew led the organisation’s surge in people numbers, from 100 in 2015 (at launch) to over 4,000, at the peak of the organisation’s COVID response.

Throughout his tenure, Andrew achieved significant transformational change, improvement in health equity for Māori, and focussed on leadership development. This is experience which will stand him in good stead as we continue our journey towards achieving Pae Ora, Healthy futures.

He recently completed a part-time secondment with Te Whatu Ora, providing Te Whatu Ora leadership with transformation advice and support.

Andrew started his health career with St John Ambulance, after graduating from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Commerce.

His impressive health experience spanning nearly 20 years has seen him lead capability and operational development in virtual health, primary care and ambulance, with a stint in the commercial sector working in health start-ups.