Two and a half years ago, he introduced himself at a media conference to talk about what was then called a novel coronavirus.
“Kia ora koutou katoa”, was the greeting. “My name is Dr Ashley Bloomfield and I am the Director General of Health.”
He has since advised Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on lockdowns, closing borders, closing Auckland, masks, vaccines and fronted about 307 media conferences. His effigy is decorated with tea towels and T-shirts and he is crocheted into a small toy.
But Friday is Ashley Bloomfield’s last day. He speaks with stuff about 8 hours past his time in the role.
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In his latest media conference on Wednesday, Bloomfield said he had “complete confidence” in those who would continue to lead and deliver the Covid-19 response in his absence.
ROBERT KITCHEN/Things
dr. Ashley Bloomfield attended 307 press conferences as Health Director General to discuss New Zealand’s response to Covid-19.
During the briefing, Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) Interim National Medical Director Dr. Pete Watson Bloomfield and said his “presence, wisdom and reassurance” at stand-ups would be missed.
Bloomfield said he had no regrets, but took “one big lesson” with him.
“We tend to underestimate the ability, capacity and ingenuity of our communities and in fact providing the resources and information to move forward and do the right thing can lead to tremendous success,” he said.
Bloomfield became Director General of Health in June 2018, taking over from fighting pastor Chai Chuah.
Later he led press conferences Drama/Eruption of the White Island and the measles epidemic in Samoa before becoming a mainstay at the daily Covid-19 press briefings, quickly becoming the face of New Zealand’s pandemic response.
GOODS
dr. Ashley Bloomfield, who we have come to know as the face of the fight against the coronavirus in New Zealand, will step down from his role as health chief at the end of the month.
On April 6, 2022, he announced he would resign a year before his term expired, citing stress as the main reason and saying he would like to take a break and spend time with his family.
On Wednesday, he said he was looking forward to “a really good vacation” before taking his next steps.
His replacement is former head of the Cancer Control Agency, Dr. Diana Sarfati.