Health New Zealand made its first permanent appointment on 22 June 2022.
Dr Nick Chamberlain, who has been the chief executive of the Northland District Health Board since 2011, will be the national director of the new national public health service from 1 July.
Dr Nick Chamberlain. Photo: Supplied
He will bring together the 12 existing public health units, Te Hiringa Hauora (the Health Promotion Agency), and several former Ministry of Health functions - including screening, immunisation, and Covid-19 response services - into one national team.
Interim Health New Zealand chief executive Fepulea'i Margie Apa said she was "delighted".
"He brings outstanding experience in clinical governance and patient safety, improving the patient journey, chronic care management, and preventing avoidable hospitalisation.
"Dr Chamberlain was a general practitioner by training and practice and will bring professional experience of how primary care and public health can integrate."
Dr Chamberlain said the country needed a wider health system which actively addressed inequity, reduced need and promoted wellness.
"I'm fully committed to a service which ensures that Aotearoa New Zealand is always ready to respond to any threats to public health in a coordinated, proactive, equitable and innovative way."
Tracey Schiebli replaces Dr Chamberlain as the new interim district director for Te Tai Tokerau.