The news that Counties Manukau Health Chief Executive, Fepulea’i Margie Apa has today been appointed Chief Executive of Health New Zealand has been met with delight by the Counties Manukau Health Board and Mana Whenua.
Chairman, Vui Mark Gosche, said his fellow Board members were ecstatic upon hearing the news of Ms Apa’s appointment and had accepted her resignation with a sense of pride but also a small degree of reluctance given what she means to Counties Manukau Health (CM Health).
“Our loss is the country’s gain and we celebrate the fact the Margie will be playing an incredibly important role in the future of the country’s health,” he said.
“Margie has had 14 years of service to CM Health, with the last three-and-a-half as CEO during which time she not only ably led us through a time of great challenge but restored the Government’s confidence in our organisation.”
Mr Gosche said it was a particularly proud time for the Pasifika community.
“From a personal viewpoint, as both Margie and I are Samoan, it is a major achievement for our community to have a Pasifika person in a role of this seniority.
“She comes from this community and understands it, and most importantly has a deep knowledge of the health system and how it can best address major equity issues and better serve vulnerable communities, which is the fundamental reason the health system is being reformed.”
Mr Gosche lauded the talented and experienced leadership team Ms. Apa had built during her tenure and announced the Board had endorsed a new leadership structure effective Ms. Apa’s departure in February.
“The leadership she has displayed means we have some of the best people in New Zealand healthcare working at CM Health and I am delighted to announce that Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, Dr Pete Watson will be stepping into the Acting Chief Executive role.
“Pete has the full confidence of the Board and while it is sad to lose Margie and her talents, we are also very fortunate to have someone of Pete’s calibre lead the organisation through its next phase.”
The Mana Whenua i Tāmaki Makaurau Board also welcomed Ms Apa’s appointment.
“She has our full support as a diverse, indigenous Wahine leader of our people.
“Working alongside Margie has shown her drive to work toward an equitable position for our Whānau. We wish her many blessings with her new journey ahead.”