I've said it once, I'll say it again, 2022 can get in the bin.
This week, Dr Ashley Bloomfield announced he's stepping down as Director-General of Health.
Bloomfield won over all our hearts as the man who got us through COVID-19 but has called time saying that it's been "a huge privilege to be appointed to the Director-General of Health role and I've committed myself wholeheartedly to the role for nearly four years".
"The DG role is complex and challenging at any time and, with a one in 100 years pandemic, the last two years have been particularly challenging and intense." Dr Bloomfield said in a statement.
"The wider public service has done an outstanding job in helping lead the country through the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s been a pleasure working with other public service leaders to help deliver the response."
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke of Bloomfield's dedication to the role saying " his focus on people and his calm and considered approach" has shown him as a "true public servant".
"He has been central to our COVID success as a nation and he's done it with humour and grace (I'll keep the details of his sporadic mockery of me to myself)," Ardern said.
"When we spoke about his decision to move on, he mentioned that he wanted to spend time with his family, and that’s the least we owe him. So kia ora from across the Motu, Dr Bloomfield. We thank you."
