Another Otago Polytechnic senior staffer has been appointed at the Southern District Health Board.
Michael Collins, the polytech's director of learning environment and service excellence, has been appointed head of human resources at SDHB.
A rejigged position, it will not deal with operational matters, and the official title is "executive director of organisational development and performance''.
Mr Collins will start in early September.
It follows the appointment seven months ago of former polytech communications manager Nicola Mutch as director of SDHB communications.
Under the commissioner regime at the health board, there have been closer links with the polytech, including a jointly produced booklet on staff innovation.
Commissioner Kathy Grant is also chairwoman of the polytech council, and deputy commissioner Graham Crombie is a former polytech chairman and board member.
The HR department at the SDHB has undergone upheaval this year, and two senior managers, including its executive director, have left, while a third senior manager was retained in a temporary position.
In a health board press release, Mr Collins said he was excited about the role.
"My focus will be on the quality of services, financial indicators and most importantly he tangata, our people.
"It's great to see the DHB has started the process of change by listening to their customers' needs and establishing a strong culture for us to build from,'' Mr Collins said.
Public Service Association organiser Julie Morton said she was "disappointed but not surprised'' the board had not formally advised her about the appointment of Mr Collins.
However, she was pleased the position had been filled.
"Hopefully, that will provide some actual leadership now.''
