'Different leadership approach is needed': Health NZ boss quits

The head of Health New Zealand, Fepulea'i Margie Apa, has walked from the role four months before her contract is due to end.

In a statement, Apa said it was time to go.

“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.

Apa has held the role since 2022, first as interim CEO of the newly amalgamated Te Whatu Ora, joining the region's 20 district health boards under one entity.

The role had a salary of $895,000 for the 2023/24 financial year, and it oversaw a team of more than 80,000 staff.

Her background includes serving as the chief executive of Counties Manukau District Health Board and as the chair of World Vision New Zealand.

Apa's time as CEO was riddled with the aftereffects of the Covid-19 pandemic, including nurses' strikes, understaffing at emergency centres, and a shift to telehealth services for rural areas.

This was also overshadowed by burgeoning debt, as last year's financial report showed a $1.4 billion deficit and $130 million monthly overspending.

In July 2024, the Te Whatu Ora board was replaced by a commissioner, Lester Levy, to streamline processes for shorter wait times and cut spending.

Fepulea'i Margie Apa speaks to Pacific Mornings in 2021 as the Counties Manukau Health CEO.

Apa said she was pleased to have contributed to the shift from the previous DHB environment to a unified healthcare system.

“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 Apa's resignation was mutually agreed upon and thanked her for her service.

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

Health Minister Simeon Brown says Margie Apa remained committed to ensuring access to healthcare services. Photo/file

Meanwhile, Health Minister Simeon Brown also acknowledged Apa's commitment.

“As Chief Executive at Health New Zealand, Margie remained committed to ensuring access to healthcare services while Health New Zealand grappled with significant operational and financial challenges stemming from the health system reforms."

Dr Dale Bramley will become the acting Chief Executive of Health New Zealand while a formal recruitment process is underway to find Apa’s replacement.