Mike’s appointment follows the departure of longstanding CE Chiquita Hansen who has taken up a new role with Te Whatu Ora, Health NZ as the Te Waipounamu (Southland) Regional Wayfinder.

Mike is well known and regarded in the MidCentral district for his formative and innovative work on the model for Primary and Community Care, including the establishment of Primary Health Organisations. He has had 23 years’ experience working across District Health Boards namely Tairawhiti, Taranaki and MidCentral. While at MidCentral he held several executive leadership roles including deputy CE from 2009 - 2016. More recently, he held the role of CE for Wellington Free Ambulance from 2017 - 2021. Since then, he has been actively working with the THINK Hauora Board and current CE on a number of strategic initiatives.

THINK Hauora Board Chair, Dr Bruce Stewart says the board and senior leadership team are delighted to be working with Mike as their interim CE.

“Having Mike on board is a fantastic opportunity to position ourselves to be at the forefront of the Health Reforms on Primary and Community Care. This interim role will also give the board time to appoint a permanent CE replacement,” says Bruce.

Working with the Iwi Māori Partnership Board and local communities on the development of localities across the region will be one of Mike’s priorities for 2023.

“It’s important we also continue to maintain and enhance communications with our provider networks on the forthcoming changes as well as the innovative programme of work currently underway within THINK Hauora particularly with Iwi and the Maori providers,” says Mike.

“THINK Hauora has, in many ways, been leading the way on achieving Whānau Ora in partnership with Iwi, Māori Hauora providers, NGOs, and Te Whatu Ora - MidCentral. Pae Ora is the next step in this journey to achieve equity of access and enhanced health outcomes. I believe THINK Hauora has the skills, relationships, and credibility to achieve the intentions of the legislation.”

Mike will take on the new role towards the end of January.