Dame Karen Poutasi: new Te Whatu Ora board chair says she's on a journey to improve health system - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Dame Karen Poutasi will replace Rob Campbell as Te Whatu Ora board's chair by the end of the week.

The medically trained doctor has held several high-profile public service roles, including Director-General of Health until 2006.

She was also chair of the Covid-19 Immunisation Programme Governance Group, and commissioner of Waikato DHB.

She says she's taking over a system that will eventually give way to a new system that better serves New Zealanders.

"We're on a journey and we're not going to get there overnight, but we are on a journey. And we recognise that we've got staff who are really tired, it's been a tough year."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.