Health reforms: New, interim agencies to start on 1 November

Interim entities stood up from 1 November

Update from Transition Unit Director, Stephen McKernan

1 November represents a further significant milestone in our work programme to reform Aotearoa New Zealand’s health system.

The two interim entities Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority will get underway as departmental agencies within the Ministry of Health – a temporary arrangement until they are established as permanent entities through legislation.

As part of the interim entity establishment, Acting Chief Executives have been appointed to ensure momentum is maintained and key workstreams are progressed until permanent Chief Executives are in place. I’m pleased to share that Martin Hefford and Chad Paraone have been appointed as Acting Chief Executives for interim Health New Zealand and the interim Māori Health Authority, respectively.

It was important for the Acting Chief Executives of the interim entities to have a deep understanding of the health reform work programme, a strong commitment to achieving equity in Māori health access and outcomes, and senior leadership experience in the health sector – criteria that both Martin and Chad absolutely meet.

As many of you know, both Chad and Martin are leading key workstreams in the Transition Unit that will, in time, transfer to the new entities. Their appointment to the Acting roles will ensure that progress with these workstreams is maintained and ensure alignment to the work of the future entities.

Both Chad and Martin also indicated to me, as part of the selection process, that they would not be applying for either of the permanent Chief Executive roles – recruitment for which is underway with appointments expected to be announced in the next month.

Recruitment for the permanent Chief Executives is underway – the boards anticipate being able to confirm appointments within the next month

Read more about Chad's work within the health sector and the Transition Unit on the Future of Health website

Read more about Martin's work within the health sector and the Transition Unit on the Future of Health website