17 Sep 2018

Samoan appointed to lead large NZ DHB

From , 5:00 am on 17 September 2018

The first Samoan to lead a District Health Board in New Zealand has been appointed in the Counties Manukau district.

Fepulea'i Margie Apa has been welcomed as the chief executive and while not a trained clinician, she has a solid public sector background.

Her father Fepulea'i Filo is from Saleaula Savaii and her mother from Faleasiu Upolu.

She told Sara Vui-Talitu that priorities include reducing smoking rates, alcohol behaviour changes, improving the health of youth and elderly as well as combating obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

Fepulea’i Margie Apa has been appointed Chief Executive Officer for Counties Manukau District Health Board, effective 3 September.

Fepulea’i Margie Apa has been appointed Chief Executive Officer for Counties Manukau District Health Board, effective 3 September. Photo: CMDHB - https://countiesmanukau.health.nz/about-us/news-and-publications/media-releases/new-ceo-for-counties-manukau-dhb/