Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield has announced he is resigning

New Zealand's Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield will resign in July.

In an email sent to Health Ministry staff, obtained by the Herald, Bloomfield said it had been a "huge privilege" to be Director-General of Health.

Bloomfield signalled with Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes late last year he intended to step down before his term officially ended on 11 June 2023.

"Dr Bloomfield has worked tirelessly for more than two years to keep New Zealanders safe from coronavirus," said Hughes.

"Dr Bloomfield has demonstrated remarkable resilience and courage in leading the health system's overall response to Covid-19. That response has saved lives.

"I thank Dr Bloomfield for his commitment to public service, his spirit of service to the community and his exceptional contribution to New Zealand's Covid-19 response. I know many New Zealanders will also be thankful for the job he has done.

"Dr Bloomfield always wanted to stay until New Zealand was in a good place with coronavirus. That time is now."

Hughes will appoint an acting Director-General before Bloomfield finishes on 29 July 2022.

Bloomfield has become a household name after fronting press conferences throughout the pandemic.