"I'm pleased to announce that Dr Nicholas Jones will take the role of director of public health, which is so important to the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders," Dr Bloomfield said.
"Dr Jones is very well-respected in the health sector, and he brings considerable experience and knowledge with him."
The director of public health is a key statutory role providing public health leadership across the Public Health Agency and the National Public Health Service within Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), and provides professional support and oversight for medical officers of health.
Te Whatu Ora Te Matau a Māui, Hawke's Bay interim district director Andrew Boyd congratulated him on the role and confirmed his last day at the DHB would be August 12.
"We wish Dr Jones all the best as he takes on this national role and we know the future of public health in New Zealand will be in good hands under his leadership."
A replacement for Dr Jones at the DHB will be released "once finalised", Mr Boyd confirmed.
Dr Jones has worked in public health for more than 30 years.
In November 2020, Dr Jones was awarded a New Zealand Public Service Medal Award for his exceptional contribution to health in Hawke's Bay.
He led the health response to the Havelock North campylobacter outbreak, co-chaired the Healthy Housing Coalition, provided leadership and expert advice on environmental health issues such as water regulation, and more recently was pivotal to Hawke's Bay's Covid-19 response.
Dr Jones is also part of the DHB executive leadership team.
