Joint Press Release: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
A new Pacific Health Leadership Programme developed by the Ministry of Health will extend Pacific people's abilities to
be effective in leading change in the health sector, says Director-General of Health Karen Poutasi.
The year long programme which will be based in Wellington includes training workshops, the study of indigenous models of
leadership, talks from significant Pacific health leaders and practical teaching methods to challenge and extend current
thinking.
"This Pacific leadership programme will provide the sector with leaders who can be more useful in serving communities
and of greater support to other health workers," said Dr Poutasi.
Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Chief Executive Fuimaono Les McCarthy said leadership development was highlighted as
part of the Pacific communities' development strategies in the recently released Pacific Capacity Building Programmes of
Action.
"At present there are only some two percent of Pacific peoples in the top three levels of management in the public
service. The Health leadership programme will strengthen the development of Pacific leaders with the potential to fill
top management and leadership roles in the health service".
The programme is aimed at Pacific people who are currently in senior leadership roles in the health and disability
sector as well as people already in community leadership roles working in Pacific health.
As a result of the programme participants will expand their understanding of contemporary strategies and methods for
leading projects and change.
For further information and registration details phone 0800 001 883 or contact Pacific Health, Public Health
Directorate, Ministry of Health.
ENDS