Dr Corina Grey is the new Director of Public Health

Dr Corina Grey, a public health physician and population health expert, has been appointed as the new Director of Public Health.

She brings decades of experience in health equity and Pacific health to one of the most senior roles in the sector.

Currently serving as the Deputy Secretary od Policy and Insights at the Ministry of Pacific Peoples (MPP), Grey (Alafua, Tafitoala, Vailima, Safune, Gataivai) will assume her new position on 5 May.

Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone, Secretary at MPP, says, “Corina has always been a star. She brought some skills, and it will be a huge loss to us with her going but a huge gain for Pacific for her to be in this role.

“Corina is an inherently Sāmoan and Pacific person. It’s in her fabric. It's just the way she is.

“She makes things simple. She takes complexity and makes it understandable to the rest of us, so these are things that I know she will take into this role and that inevitably will benefit our community.”

Clifford-Lidstone says Grey's new role will provide her with a direct line to the Ministry of Health on matters affecting the general public.

The appointment comes at a crucial time after sweeping cuts to the Public Health Service and the premature resignation of Health NZ chief Margie Apa.

Dr Andrew Old, Deputy Director-General of the Public Health Agency, says Grey’s extensive experience will be invaluable to her new role as Director of Public Health.

Listen to Dr Corina Grey's interview with PMN News Political Reporter Ala Vailala following her appointment.

With over two decades of health research focused on population health, heart health, health equity, and improving healthcare access for Pacific peoples, Grey has held several key positions.

She was the Chief Clinical Adviser for Pacific Health at the Ministry of Health, where she played a key role in establishing Covid-19 vaccination centres and contact-tracing efforts.

In a statement, Grey expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to work towards improving health outcomes for Pacific communities in Aotearoa.

Grey replaces Dr Nicholas Jones, who ended his tenure at the end of February, after extending his two-year secondment by several months.

Photo/File