Hastings, 14 May 2018 – Primary health organisation Health Hawke’s Bay announces that its current general manager Wayne
Woolrich, has been appointed as CEO, with immediate effect.
Health Hawke’s Bay Chair, Bayden Barber, says that he has followed Mr Woolrich’s development, and is very pleased to see
him step up to the CEO role.
“I’ve got to know Wayne during the last two years, and this is his second promotion during that time. He is the right
person to lead our organisation into the future, making sure that Health Hawke’s Bay is well placed to meet the
challenges and changes ahead for the primary health care sector.
“We expect there will soon be changes to the model of primary and community healthcare, and that will create strategic
opportunities for Health Hawke’s Bay to strengthen the delivery of these services in our region and deliver better
outcomes for the community.
“Wayne is tasked with leading our organisation through this process, as well as working with the wider healthcare
community. The board and I congratulate him on his appointment and wish him every success,” says Mr Barber.
Wayne Woolrich says he is delighted to take on the CEO role.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me. In my other roles at HHB I have developed a deep understanding of the sector,
how HHB can help its General Practice stakeholders and work effectively with the DHB.
“I’m looking forward to moving from an operational to a strategic role and making sure that Health Hawke’s Bay delivers
on its commitment to listening and working with our communities and providers to improve health outcomes for Māori,
Pasifika and other high needs communities.
“Health Hawke’s Bay has a major role to play in supporting the delivery of primary healthcare, and I’ll be making sure
that we do that in a way that is efficient and meets the need of the community and medical professionals that care for
them,” says Mr Woolrich.
Wayne Woolrich grew up in Hawke’s Bay and joined Health Hawke’s Bay in June 2016 as Business Services Manager. He was
promoted to the position of General Manager, soon after, leading a team of 35.
In his previous role as General Manager for Health Hawke’s Bay, Wayne was responsible for ensuring the development and
delivery of health programmes to the community with a strong focus on Māori and Pasifika health outcomes. Wayne was also
responsible for developing strong relationships with health providers and supporting General Practice.
Prior to joining Health Hawke’s Bay he held the positions of National Finance Manager for a national property
consultancy firm and Business Operations Manager at Green Cross Health leading the acquisition and performance
optimisation for the medical division.
ENDS