He’s become a household name over the past two years and is affectionately known by many as Daddy Bloomfield. Now the DG is on his way out.
Today the Director-General of Health, Dr. Ashely Bloomfeild, announced his resignation.
Dr. Bloomfield said it’s “been a huge privilege to be appointed to the Director-General of Health role and I’ve committed myself wholeheartedly to the role for nearly four years”.
In a statement released by the Public Service Commission, Dr. Bloomfield signalled that he intended to step down before the scheduled end of his term (June 11, 2023)
Bloomfield said, “The DG role is complex and challenging at any time and, with a one in 100 years pandemic, the last two years have been particularly challenging and intense.
“I’ve done everything I set out to do when I came into the role. I would not have been able to do this without the support of many highly committed and talented people in the Ministry and across the wider health system.
“The wider public service has done an outstanding job in helping lead the country through the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s been a pleasure working with other public service leaders to help deliver the response.”
Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden paid tribute to Dr. Bloomfield on Instagram saying, “There’s not many public servants I have got to know as well as Dr. Ashley Bloomfield.”
She went on to say, “through his tireless dedication, his focus on people, his calm and considered approach – he has been a true public servant. “
Dr. Bloomfeild’s his first Covid-19 media appearance below
The Director-General said, “it’s a good time for me to step back and allow a new Director-General to shape and lead the organisation in future”.
“I’m confident the health sector and the COVID-19 response are in good hands, that NZ will continue to deliver a world-class response to the pandemic, and those leading the health system will plan and deliver the full range of care that New Zealanders need following the Omicron outbreak.
“Over the coming four months I will be focused on ensuring the Ministry of Health is well placed to take on its future role in the new system, and that the systems and people are in place to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the additional challenges of flu and other illnesses through winter.
“I’m looking forward to taking an extended break and spending time with family before deciding on what I will do next.”
