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.
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