If you've been following the news, you may have seen that later this month Dr Nicholas Jones, New Zealand’s Director of Public Health, will return to his substantive role as Medical Officer of Health for Health New Zealand in Hawke’s Bay.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the extensive contribution Nick has made during his two and a half years as Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency, Ministry of Health New Zealand.
Nick agreed to fill this role on a secondment basis soon after the Agency was established in 2022 to provide vital public health clinical leadership across the system. The establishment of a single National Public Health Service within Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, alongside the Agency (within the Ministry of Health), has required many changes in roles and accountabilities. Nick has played a central role in navigating that transition, in particular supporting a shift to a greater strategic focus for the Director of Public Health role.
When his term was coming to an end in August last year, I asked Nick to stay on for another six months and he agreed. In his time with us, Nick has created a blueprint for how the next Director of Public Health can succeed, and we are well into the recruitment process for his replacement.
Thank you, Nick, for supporting our ongoing work to help New Zealanders live longer lives in good health at a critical time for the health system. Best of luck for your next adventure, the people of Hawke's Bay are very lucky to have you back!
