DG Stephen McKernan Not Seeking Reappointment

Director-General of Health, Stephen McKernan, is leaving the position and will be finishing later this year.

“I have decided not to seek reappointment after my current term expires at the end of July,” says Mr McKernan.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the different roles I’ve undertaken. The health and disability sector is an incredibly rewarding, but also very challenging work environment. I consider myself privileged to have worked with so many talented, professional and dedicated people that serve New Zealanders so well.

“While we face significant challenges, we can be proud of a health system that is world class in many areas.

“We’re seeing marked improvement in key areas such as access to elective services, reducing smoking rates and improving access to primary care, coupled with an overall increase in life expectancy.

“However, with an ageing population, increasing demand and tight economic circumstances, we must continually challenge where services are provided and how they are planned and funded,” he says.

“I’ve made this announcement now to allow five months for the State Services Commissioner to recruit my replacement. It will also let me focus on managing some of the organisational and system-wide changes that are currently underway.

Mr McKernan’s career in health includes more than 20 years in senior health management positions including the last 12 in Chief Executive roles. Before taking up his role as Director-General of Health in 2006, Mr McKernan was Chief Executive of Counties Manukau District Health Board, and prior to that Hutt Valley DHB.

With regard to his next role, Mr McKernan is discussing a number of options and will make an announcement in due course.