Te Tauraki is delighted to welcome Dr Pete Watson to his new role as Executive Regional Director for Te Waipounamu at Te Whatu Ora.
Dr Watson was formally welcomed with a mihi whakatau on August 4 at the Manawa Campus in Christchurch. Te Whatu Ora, iwi, hauora partners, and Iwi Māori Partnership were in attendance.
Te Tauraki board director Suzanne Pitama expressed her enthusiasm about Dr Watson’s appointment.
“Te Tauraki was honoured to attend the mihi whakatau and hear Peter’s inspiring vision. His commitment to valuing mana whenua and the respect he holds among Māori colleagues from Counties Manukau set a strong foundation for the journey ahead.”
Dr Watson brings more than 25 years of experience as a health leader and specialist medical practitioner to the role. As a Paediatrician and Youth Health Specialist, he holds Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators (FRACMA) and has demonstrated his commitment to working in partnership with iwi, hapū and whānau to improve health outcomes for all.
His career highlights include serving as the inaugural National Clinical Lead (Medical) for Te Whatu Ora from June 2022 to June 2023 and previously holding positions as acting CEO and Chief Medical Officer at Counties Manukau Health.
As Executive Regional Director, Dr Watson will focus on developing effective clinical partnerships, delivering against national health targets including the Electives Boost, implementing improved access to primary care, and ensuring health services are high-quality, safe and sustainable.
His track record demonstrates his ability to tackle complex health sector challenges. He was instrumental in the national response to the Whakaari White Island disaster and played a key clinical leadership role in New Zealand’s Covid-19 pandemic response, including the establishment of managed isolation and quarantine facilities.
Earlier in his career, Dr Watson made significant contributions to youth health as the initial Principal Investigator for Youth2000, the first national school survey of 10,000 students in 2001. He developed specialist expertise in Adolescent Medicine and Youth Health, holding academic, clinical and leadership roles at the University of Auckland School of Medicine and Middlemore Hospital
Te Tauraki recognises Dr Watson as an authentic, transparent leader who honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi. His extensive experience working in partnership with Māori communities and his proven advocacy for Māori health outcomes align closely with the vision and mission of Te Tauraki.
Te Tauraki looks forward to working alongside Dr Watson in his new role to advance health equity and improve outcomes for whānau Māori in Te Waipounamu.