Lester Levy
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Lester Levy | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Levy in 2013 | |
| Born | 1954 (age 70–71) South Africa |
| Alma mater | University of the Witwatersrand, University of Auckland] |
| Occupation(s) | Medical doctor, professor |
| Board member of | Health New Zealand |
Lester Levy CNZM (born 1954)[1][2] is a South African-born New Zealand business leader, professor, and medical doctor. Since 2019, he has been Professor of Digital Health Leadership at Auckland University of Technology.
Levy is a prominent figure in health governance in New Zealand. He was chair of the three Auckland region district health boards between 2009 and 2017. He commenced as chair of the Health New Zealand board in May 2024 and has been reappointed in that role until July 2026. He was the Health New Zealand commissioner from July 2024 to July 2025.
Levy grew up in a small town near Sharpeville, South Africa. He was six years old when the Sharpeville massacre occurred. He claims the event formed many of his basic life philosophies, like wariness of authority, distrust of ideology, and not having a desire to fit in.[1] His interest in New Zealand was raised when he did a project at school on Sir Edmund Hillary, whom he regards as a hero. He studied at the University of the Witwatersrand to become a medical doctor,[1] and graduated Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh).[3]
He moved to New Zealand in approximately 1978 and studied for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Auckland.[4]