Update from Margie Apa and Riana Manuel
Tēnā koutou e ngā kaimahi,
We want to start this pānui with a message of thanks to all of you who are caring for people with winter illnesses and COVID-19. Thank you for supporting each other. We particularly want to recognise the effort of our clinical and community-based teams to support those who need additional care.
With less than a month to go, we would like to thank the entire team across the motu for their mahi and preparations as 1 July draws closer. We’re focused on supporting our people as we transition to Health New
Zealand and the Māori Health Authority.
We are committed to providing as much information as possible and providing regular updates to our people with comms going to our senior leaders, people leaders as well as Q&As for those people transitioning to Interim Health New Zealand.
It was fantastic to get out into the regions and meet the team in the Wairarapa. Do keep an eye out for us in Hawke’s Bay and Northland as we’ll be visiting in the coming weeks! Can’t wait to see you!
In this issue, we highlight the Pae Ora Bill passing its third and final reading in the House. We also acknowledge some of those incredible people who received Queen’s Birthday Honours – absolutely awesome and
you should be proud! Ka pai! We also cover off the appointments to the Hauora Māori Advisory Committee as well as the details of the new consumer health forum Aotearoa.
Finally, a big thank you again to all our people across the health system. Please know you’re playing an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of all Kiwis.
Ngā mihi
Margie and Riana
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Pae Ora Bill passed
The Pae Ora Bill was passed in Parliament last week following its third reading.
The final step in the process for the bill to become law is Royal Assent. We expect this to be achieved shortly. This is an exciting milestone on the road to transformation and embedding the Māori Health Authority as an equal partner at the heart of the health system. And it means we’re almost legal!
View the Minister’s press release and the transcript of the Bill’s third reading here.
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CEs visiting the regions
As part of their ongoing engagement with teams across the motu, Margie and Riana made their way around the districts to meet as many of you ‘kanohi ki te kanohi’ as possible.
They love meeting you all and the feedback we’re getting is you’re appreciating meeting them and having the opportunity to ask questions directly as well.
Earlier this month, Margie and Riana visited the Wairarapa DHB. They were welcomed with a pōwhiri attended by local iwi Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne, Board members, Māori providers, Tu Ora Compass Health and
DHB management, before staff presentations and the opportunity for questions and answers.
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The team at Wairarapa summed up the visit with the proverb gifted to their DHB Māori Health Strategy: “Kia piki te ora, piki te kaha, piki te wairua, piki te māramatanga/To uplift our health, physical, spiritual and mental
wellbeing.”
Margie and Riana will continue to visit as many districts as they can over the coming weeks. Visits coming up include:
- 17 June: Hawkes Bay DHB
- 23 June: Northland DHB
Keep an eye out on your intranet or talk to your comms team to understand what’s happening in your district when Margie and Riana visit.
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Health leaders recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours
It was great to see so many of our health colleagues and partners recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.
As we continue to meet the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 in our community, we too would like to acknowledge these fantastic people, their mahi, and the contribution they’ve made and continue to make to the health and wellbeing of all Kiwis. To all of you who received an honour this year, ka pai and thank you for your service!
Our health colleagues and partners recognised this year include:
Officers of the Order (ONZM)
- Dr Judith Helen McGregor, CNZM, of Auckland. For services to human rights and health.
- Dr Gordon Ian Nicholson, of Auckland. For services to health and the community.
- Ms Petronella (Marjet) Maria Pot, of Auckland. For services to women's health.
- Dr Katherine Robertson, of Palmerston North. For services to sexual health.
- Dr John David Tait, of Wellington. For services to obstetrics and gynaecology.
- Professor Francis Antony Frizelle, of Christchurch. For services to health.
- Dr Bryan William Robert Betty, of Wellington. For services to health.
- Dr Hilary Blacklock, of Auckland. For services to haematology.
- Ms Mathilda Margareth Broodkoorn, of Haruru. For services to health and Māori.
- Ms Denise Messiter, of Thames. For services to Māori and health.
- Mr Brian Robert Mulligan, of Auckland. For services to physiotherapy.
- Ms Beverly Margaret Pownall, of Auckland. For services to health, particularly breastfeeding.
- Mrs Bridget Ann Snedden, of Auckland. For services to people with learning disabilities.
Knights Companion (KNZM)
Companions of the Order (CNZM)
Members of the Order (MNZM)
The Queen's Service Order (QSO)
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Depending on where you’re joining HNZ or MHA from, the things that do or don’t change for you on Day 1 may be different from some of your colleagues.
DHBs, shared service agencies, and Te Hiringa Hauroa/Health Promotion Agency:
You will continue to:
- work in your current role under existing terms and conditions
- work at your current location and use the same access card
- use the same log-in, email address, IT equipment and IT systems
- be supported by the same teams – including IT, HR, Relationship Managers and MOH teams.
Interim Health New Zealand, Interim Māori Health Authority, and Ministry of Health transfers:
Some things will be different for you when you transition from the interim agencies on 1 July. You will find information in weekly email updates and on the Ministry of Health intranet here.
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Some people have asked about whether their reporting line will change on 1 July. We have formally communicated with the small number of people who will have a reporting line change on 1 July.
For everyone else, reporting lines do not change as a result of Health New Zealand coming into effect.
This means that from 1 July, you will continue to report to the same leadership position and, in most cases, this is the same person you report to today.
There will be no further changes to reporting lines until an interim structure has been approved, or the operating model work has been completed and approved following due process, and where a robust change management process with all parties has been completed.
New positions advertised
Health New Zealand is working alongside search firms Kerridge & Partners and Mana Recruitment to manage the appointments of its executive team.
All corporate office HNZ and MHA positions for the new health system, as well as Expressions of Interest and backfills into departmental agency roles, are now being advertised on a new interim Careers website: https://careers.tas.health.nz/
Don’t worry if you lose the link – just visit the Health New Zealand website or the Māori Health Authority website (under About Us) and click on the Vacancies tab.
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Keeping updated on the new health system
Chief Executives’ Stakeholder Hui
On Tuesday 14 June, Margie and Riana hosted virtual hui to update key sector partners on the transition to the new health system.
The hui provided an overview of the new operating model for Health New Zealand and outlined the changes taking effect on 1 July.
If you couldn’t make it, we highly recommend you check out a video recording and Q&As from one the sessions. See below:
Health New Zealand hui
Māori Health Authority hui
Topics included Health New Zealand objectives, interim leadership roles, Iwi Māori Partnership Boards, localities, interim Government Policy Statement, the Health Plan, and next steps.
The slides from the hui are available here.
The fourth stakeholder hui will be held on 5 July.
Interim Government Policy Statement (iGPS) webinar
The third of four virtual hui on the iGPS was hosted by the Ministry of Health and focused on strengthening population and public health.
Panelists included Minister of Health Andrew Little, Associate Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall, Riana and Margie.
The discussion focused on how the reformed health system will work to achieve equity for different population groups and communities living within New Zealand who may not have had equitable access to healthcare in the
past.
The recording and transcript and previous iGPS webinars are available here.
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Health sector updates
Public Health update
We recently had both the National Immunisation Programme and the COVID-19 Response Directorate join the NPHS.
The National Bowel Screening Programme team celebrated a huge achievement on Friday with the official completion of the programme rollout. Bay of Plenty was the final region to introduce bowel screening, officially launching its programme. This is the culmination of decades of planning, a sevenyear pilot and nationwide rollout that began in July 2017.
We also had the National Immunisation Programme launch phase two of the 2022 flu vaccination campaign. Through a new TV commercial, supported by print, radio and digital marketing, the campaign encourages all Kiwis, including those eligible for a free vaccination, to take up the opportunity for protection.
Localities update
The interim National Localities Team continues to bring new Locality Development Advisors into their team. These advisors will provide central support to localities and serve as a connection point into Health New
Zealand.
Over the last few weeks, Locality Development Advisors supporting the first nine localities have travelled with one or both of the interim Locality Co-Directors to meet locality members in person.
During these in-person hui, the central team is consulting with mana whenua, iwi, healthcare and social support services, local government, and community organisations. Together they will develop plans to ensure their communities receive better healthcare, are better connected to social services, and are supported to live in healthy environments.
New consumer health forum Aotearoa established
The new consumer health forum Aotearoa will provide consumers and whānau with a more meaningful say in the design and delivery of health services. This will help us to deliver a people- and whānau-centred system based on the voices of all.
The forum, hosted by the Health Quality & Safety Commission, provides a place for consumers, whānau and communities to connect, share their thoughts and provide valuable insights to help improve the health
sector. The forum also connects whānau, consumers and communities with opportunities to influence the health sector at a national, regional and local levels. Through this forum, we hope to ensure that all
perspectives are reflected in the design, delivery, and evaluation of services.
Next week we will ask our key stakeholders to share engagement opportunities by submitting an expression of interest here or emailing consumers@hqsc.govt.nz.
Find out more about the consumer health forum Aotearoa here, or phone 0800 275 742 to talk to a member of the He Hoa Tiaki | Partners in Care team.
Hauora Māori Advisory Committee announced
Health Minister Andrew Little recently announced the appointment of members to the Interim Hauora Māori Advisory Committee. The Committee will advise the Minister of Health on matters relating to the Māori Health Authority Board and to the Public Health Advisory Committee.
The appointments are critical to the establishment of the new Māori Health Authority. The team is focused on ensuring that the voices of Māori are heard at all levels of decision-making within the new health system. The committee is excited about the challenge ahead and is looking forward to delivering equitable health outcomes for Māori.
The following eight members have been appointed to the interim Committee.
- Parekawhia McLean (Chair)
- Dr Matire Harwood
- Tā Mark Solomon
- Rahui Papa
- Amohaere Houkamau
- Lisa Tumahai
- Margareth Broodkoorn
- Dr Jim Mather
Six of the members were previously appointed to the 2021 Steering Group established under the leadership of Tā Mason Durie to provide advice on governance arrangements and initial appointments to the interim Māori Health Authority. Within the next two years, the Committee will be nominated directly by Māori through Iwi Māori Partnership Boards and Hauora Māori organisations.
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You can now also find previous editions of People Pānui in the same place – in our ‘For the health workforce’ section on the Health New Zealand website. Check it out if you haven’t already!
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Tell us a little about yourself and your background
I was born and raised in Wellington. My parents are Scottish – one from Glasgow and the other from Dundee. My most recent role was as Deputy Chief Executive at the National Emergency Management Agency. I’ve also worked in large change transformation roles across both the public and private sector including positions with the Police, Ministry of Social Development and Ministry of Justice.
What’s your role as part of the health reform?
I am the Director Change, and I am responsible for working with the chief executives to establish our organisational change approach that is guiding us through our change journey.
What are you working on at the moment?
As funny as it sounds, I’m doing a lot of “speed dating” and my dance card is full, which is great. Joking aside, I’m getting out and trying to meet and connect with as many possible as possible. From my previous change management roles, one of the most important things is getting out and getting a temperature check on how people are feeling and how an organisation can help. I am also preparing the enterprise change plan which will help guide our organisation in the coming weeks, months and beyond.
And what’s coming up next?
Friday 1st July is a key date for our organisation and for all of our people. I’m really focused on the beginning of our change journey. We want to ensure all of our people feel supported through this time.
What’s your advice to the health sector?
We have the most exciting opportunity to make fundamental improvements to the delivery of health outcomes in the sector. It’s important to find the balance between the benefits of an integrated health system with the needs of local communities. We need to be ambitions but also continue to keep delivering on the day-to-day needs. If “change” is water in a bucket, you either need to get a bigger bucket or better manage the flow of water into it.
What do you get up to in your spare time?
I love cooking, reading and football (I’m a huge Celtic fan but used to both play and coach many moons ago). I’ve also got a passion project on the boil which will be a music podcast! I was a student radio DJ in a previous life and had a show on Radio Access for many years. Sadly, I had to hang up my headphones because work got too busy, but I’ve managed to find some time and looking forward to getting back onto the airwaves. Watch this space!
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A reminder about the Health Integrity Line
As some of our people have already transitioned and more are continuing to do so over the coming weeks, we think it is worth making everyone aware of the Health Integrity Line.
The Health Integrity Line is a free, anonymous 24/7 phone line for you to report fraud or any other activities you’re concerned about in the health system.
This includes but is not limited to dishonesty or inappropriate use of public money, inappropriate use of technology, workplace bullying, theft, drug use and harassment.
If you ever need to contact the Health Integrity Line, please call 0800 424 888. The 0800 number is operated by the independent charity Crimestoppers.
You can also find more information here:
https://www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/contact-us/health-integrity-line
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