The current chief executive of Hutt Valley District Health Board has been appointed the new joint chief of both Hutt Valley and Wairarapa DHBs.
Graham Dyer, who has headed Hutt Valley DHB for two-and-a-half years, will take over from Wairarapa DHB chief executive Tracey Adamson on December 22.
Wairarapa DHB board chairman Bob Francis said Mr Dyer would still be based in the Hutt but would spend two days a week in Wairarapa.
The transition would be seamless for Wairarapa staff, with Mr Dyer and Ms Adamson working closely together to ensure continuity.
"Discussions about the next stages of bringing together executive and hospital functions will resume in mid-January, and will follow good process as consultation is required," Mr Francis said.