Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora is recruiting for a new general manager at Whakatāne Hospital following the resignation of current general manager Jenny Martelli.

Martelli was appointed to the role in March 2025 as part of Health NZ’s response to widespread community concern over the downgrade of the hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department earlier that year. Her appointment was widely welcomed across the Eastern Bay.

Secondary obstetrics and gynaecology services were resumed at the hospital from mid-April this year.

After initially serving in the position on an interim basis, Martelli’s permanent appointment was confirmed in February this year.

Health NZ Bay of Plenty group director operations Sarah Fenwick confirmed Martelli had decided to retire.

“Sadly, Jenny Martelli has submitted her resignation and plans to retire from her GM role in Whakatāne,” said Fenwick.

“Having made the decision to return to her Ōhope home has caused Jenny to reflect on what is next for herself and her family. She has decided to retire.”

Martelli has held leadership positions across a broad range of health services during her career, including emergency departments and Woman, Child and Family Services.

“Most of her career has been spent in Rotorua and Taupō hospitals before she took on the role of general manager at Whakatāne Hospital,” Fenwick said.

“Jenny has successfully established the general manager role with great leadership and focus on her team, patients and whānau.

“She is looking forward to a well-earned next chapter with more time for family, travel, and life beyond busy leadership roles.”

Martelli will finish at Whakatāne Hospital on August 28.

“We are recruiting to the new general manager permanent role,” said Fenwick.

“We thank Jenny for her service and wish her all the best in her retirement.”