Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes revealed Bloomfield’s decision in a statement this morning.

Bloomfield had signalled to the commissioner late last year he intended to step down before his term officially ended on 11 June 2023, Hughes said.

He said Bloomfield had done an outstanding job leading the government’s health response to Covid-19 and the vaccination rollout.

“Dr Bloomfield has worked tirelessly for more than two years to keep New Zealanders safe from coronavirus,” Hughes said.

“Dr Bloomfield has demonstrated remarkable resilience and courage in leading the health system’s overall response to Covid-19. That response has saved lives.

“I thank Dr Bloomfield for his commitment to public service, his spirit of service to the community and his exceptional contribution to New Zealand’s Covid-19 response. I know many New Zealanders will also be thankful for the job he has done.”

Hughes said Bloomfield wanted to stay on until the country had a good hold on the virus, and that time was now.

An acting director-general will be appointed before Bloomfield finishes on 29 July, 2022.

Source: rnz.co.nz Republished by arrangement.

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