Can he fix it? How new health kingpin plans to resuscitate a system in crisis

After losing confidence in the leadership and financial acumen of Health New Zealand-Te Whatu Ora, the Government has parachuted in an all-powerful specialist to fix the broken service. Health Commissioner Lester Levy has his work cut out - long waiting lists, budget woes, staff shortages, protests, doctorless hospitals, ramping ambulances, police pulling out of some mental health call outs ... Can he fix it? “I will do whatever I have to that's ethical and legal to get patients what they need and deserve,” he promises in an extended interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Tova O’Brien hosts Stuff’s political podcast holding the powerful to account and putting the concerns of real people front and centre. With regular guests Andrea Vance, picking the winners and losers of the week in Snakes and Leaders, and Luke Malpass, calling key moments for the coming week in Beehive Buzz. You can read analysis supporting this podcast on stuff.co.nz. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Email tova@stuff.co.nz. CREDITS Host and producer: Tova O'Brien. Sound design, audio editing and mixing: Connor Scott and John Ropiha. Executive producer: Chris Reed.