A new senior official who leads the Ministry of Health and has oversight of the more than $29 billion public health budget has been appointed today.
Audrey Sonerson has been appointed as the Director-General of Health and the chief executive of the Ministry of Health, Deputy Public Service Commissioner Heather Baggott has announced.
Sonerson, currently the acting Director-General of Health, was transferred into the permanent role following the resignation of the previous Director-General, Dr Diana Sarfati, in February.
Sarfati’s was the third major resignation in the sector during February, following Margie Apa as Health NZ chief executive and director of public health Dr Nicholas Jones.
Baggott said Sonerson’s transfer was in the public interest and that a “speedy appointment” ensured stability and effective leadership during this “critical time”.
“Any delay in identifying a new Director-General of Health could risk the Ministry of Health falling behind the reform programme, which would impact New Zealanders accessing the health system.
“Sonerson is a trusted and respected public service leader with a track record of delivery and working effectively with Ministers.”
Prior to stepping into the role as acting Director-General of Health on February 21, Sonerson served as Secretary of Transport and chief executive at the Ministry of Transport since December 2022.
She had also held positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and Treasury.
Baggott said she was confident Sonerson would “quickly get on top” of the present challenges facing the sector.
“I have no doubt her leadership and skills are what the Ministry needs right now.”
Sonerson has been appointed for five years from April 7.