Search is on for head of NZ's new Pacific Health arm

@eleishafoon

A new Pacific Health National Director role has been created as part of an overhaul of New Zealand's health system.

The role is part of a health care reform bill by the New Zealand government which aims to amalgamate the country's 20 District Health Boards into one centralised body called Health New Zealand.

Now the search is on for a suitable Pacific leader.

The National Director will lead a new arm for Pacific health care catering for the needs of Pacific people living in Aotearoa.

This includes highlighting health equity gaps, representing Pacific people, as well supporting Pacific providers who already do work in communities.

Chief Executive of Health New Zealand, Fepulea'i Margie Apa, said creating this position was a priority.

"The average life expectancy for Pacific people is six years lower in some areas like Counties Manukau. The Pacific is part of the sector that needs special attention.

"This was also a way of accelerating what we do in Pacific health by not having them bedded down in the third of fourth tier structure struggling to get ideas and proposals to second tier to the board."

Pacific community members have had relentlessly high hospitalisation rates throughout the Delta and Omicron outbreaks with more than 100,000 Pasifika cases in these two outbreaks alone.

Fepulea'i said the new entity aimed to cut through bureaucratic layers and provide faster frontline services.

The Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio, said it was a groundbreaking opportunity.

"It is important that we have a strong pacific person in this position. I want someone who understands languages, has a strong cultural intelligence. This is important to us.

"This is a once in a generation reform. Many of our Pacific communities, particularly those who have been in the health sector for years have been been championing for this kind of reform to address inequities and remove barriers."

He had been encouraging anyone who asked to go for the role.

"I am confident we will find someone from the pool of the Pacific health sector that we currently already have."

Meanwhile, the Chief executive of the Pasifika Medical Association, Debbie Sorensen, hoped another Pacific female would get the role.

"It would be fantastic to have two Pacific women in these leadership roles, that would be ideal."

She said the Pacific health sector was experienced and that there were numerous candidates who would be fitting for the role.

"This is our time... we have Health New Zealand led by one of our own very talented women. We are able to bring all of those talents and super powers together to really make a difference."

Auckland Councillor Efeso Collins said whoever gets the role must address issues and inequities that exist within the system and improve health outcomes for Pasifika families.

"In many of our poorer Pasifika communities there is is high prevalence of diabetes, rheumatic fever, cardio vascular diseases ... which are often considered third world diseases."

He said it was vital that whoever takes on the role have the skills and connections to the community, are trusted and can provide the right support communities need.

Applications for the Pacific Health National Director role close at the end of May.