Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Oranga Tamariki chief executive Chappie Te Kani has resigned from the role, to focus on his health.
Te Kani, who had been in the role since 2022, took medical leave in September to undergo surgery.
At the time, Te Kani said he expected to return to work by the end of the year.
Former justice and defence secretary Andrew Bridgman has been acting chief executive in the meantime.
In an internal email sent to staff on Friday morning, and seen by RNZ, Te Kani said the choice was not easy, but it was the right one for him, his whānau, and for Oranga Tamariki.
"I leave certain of one thing, that you will endure," he told staff.
"I have also witnessed our kaimahi turn impossibility into hope. Where others see barriers, you create breakthroughs. I am richer for seeing these successes which give me an unshakeable belief in you all."
Te Kani told staff they had shouldered a "most vital kaupapa: the care and protection of Aotearoa's tamariki and rangatahi"
He ended his email with a whakatauki from the late Sir Wira Gardiner, who was acting chief executive of Oranga Tamariki for a period in 2021, before Te Kani took over.
"Me ki pēnei ki a koutou katoa. Kia kaha, kia māia, kia ū tātou. Be strong. Be brave. Stand firm," Te Kani wrote.
Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche said he supported Te Kani's decision, and wished him and his family the best.
"Leading Oranga Tamariki is a big job and I think Mr Te Kani for his commitment and hard work in the last three and a half year," Sir Brian said.
Minister for Children Karen Chhour also wished Te Kani the best, saying she had spoken to him and respected his decision.
"He departs Oranga Tamariki with a tremendous amount of respect and admiration, he will be greatly missed at Oranga Tamariki by staff and by myself," she said.
"I thank Chappie for the remarkable combination of the kindness and leadership that he has always embodied."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
