7 March 2025
Jason Grey
[FYI request #30005 email]
Tēnā koe Jason
Your request for official information, reference: HNZ00078644
Thank you for your email on 8 February 2025, asking Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora for the
following under the Of icial Information Act 1982 (the Act):
‘I am requesting information under the Official Information Act 1982 regarding the process
for selecting the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Te
Whatu Ora. Specifically, I would like details on how this process ensures leadership that is
well-equipped to address the diverse healthcare needs of New
Zealanders.
1. I would like a copy of the position description and selection criteria used for the CEO
appointment, particularly regarding cultural competency and understanding of Māori health
needs, clinical background or experience in the healthcare sector, and knowledge of
healthcare challenges in rural and working-class communities.
2. I request any documents outlining how these factors are assessed and weighted in
the selection process.
3. Please provide a list of the groups or organisations involved in the selection panel or
advisory process, such as Māori health representatives,
Pacific health experts, rural health advocates, unions, or clinical experts.
4. I would like copies of any policies or guidelines that ensure the panel is diverse and
representative in terms of ethnicity, gender balance,
clinical versus non-clinical expertise, and representation from rural or underserved
communities.
5. I request any documents outlining processes to reduce bias in the selection process,
such as guidelines on fair candidate evaluation or training
provided to panel members on unconscious bias or equitable hiring.
6. I would also like to receive any documents explaining how the selection process is
made transparent, including whether external advisors or
independent reviewers were involved and how the decision wil be communicated to
the public.
7. If any public or stakeholder consultations were conducted on the qualities needed in a
CEO, I would appreciate a summary of any feedback received
and the names of organisations consulted (not individual names).
8. If some information is available in existing public documents, I would appreciate a
reference to where I can find it.
9. If discussions on the CEO selection process have not yet taken place due to the
recent resignation, I request information on when these discussions
are expected to occur, the anticipated timeline for finalising the selection.’
Response
There has been no selection process. Currently, the position is fil ed by Health NZ staff as acting.
Health NZ supports its staff in acting in more senior positions with advice available from their HR
Business Partner contact.
Examples of when this may be required are:
• A Manager is on leave.
• A Manager is seconded into another role for a limited period.
• A more senior position is vacant and waiting to be fil ed.
Your request for this information is refused under section 18(e) of the Act as this information does
not exist.
In an attempt to assist with your request please see the below link to publicly available information
regarding the process for selecting the next Chief Executive Of icer, noting the Public Service
Commissioner is responsible for this
: https:/ www.publicservice.govt.nz/system/leaders/appointing-
leaders
How to get in touch
If you have any questions, you can contact us at
[email address].
If you are not happy with this response, you have the right to make a complaint to the
Ombudsman. Information about how to do this is available a
t www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
by phoning 0800 802 602.
As this information may be of interest to other members of the public, Health NZ may proactively
release a copy of this response on our website. Al requester data, including your name and
contact details, wil be removed prior to release.
Nāku iti noa, nā
Danielle Coe
Manager (OIA) Government Services
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
TeWhatuOra.govt.nz
Health NZ, PO Box 793,
Wel ington 6140, New Zealand
