Health New Zealand Chief Executive Fepulea’i Margie Apa is stepping down from the role.

“Although my term formally ends in June, Health New Zealand is at a point in the Reset where a different leadership approach is required to take us forward, and I would like to make space for that now,”

Margie Apa said. Margie took on the role in February 2022 as interim CEO and then, from 1 July 2022, for a fixed term to support the shift from the previous DHB environment to a unified healthcare system.

“I believe that working together collaboratively to join up and improve the care New Zealanders experience is an ambition worth working for. All of us can make so much more of a difference if we can work together better.

“I am pleased to have played a part in that shift. There is progress we have made – we are delivering more care than before to more people both in our hospitals and in our community and primary care sector.

Health New Zealand Commissioner Professor Lester Levy said they mutually agreed on the decision.

“I would like to thank Fepulea’i Margie Apa very much for her service to Health New Zealand.

“Margie has an extraordinary work ethic and from the day of my appointment she has worked extremely hard to support the new work programme.

“The reset is a significant change in direction from where Health NZ was heading but she realigned entirely to the programme.

“On behalf of the three Deputy Commissioners, we are very grateful for the support she has provided to us, and we wish her very well for the future.”

National Director of the Planning, Funding and Outcomes business unit, Dr Dale Bramley, will be the interim Chief Executive and starts in the role today.

ENDS