The outgoing Director-General of Health, Stephen McKernan, says he is not being pushed from his job.
McKernan has been in the role since 2006 and his term of appointment expires at the end of July, but he says he will not be seeking re-appointment
Labour's state services spokesman Grant Robertson suggested McKernan might have been forced out, through the Government's decisions on the recently announced National Health Board.
"Stephen McKernan's decision not to seek re-appointment begs the question. Was he pushed or did he jump?" asked Robertson.
But McKernan says he is leaving of his own accord.
Asked by TV3 whether he was pushed: McKernan says: "The decision to go is mine."
McKernan earlier issued a statement saying he had thoroughly enjoyed his time in the different roles he had undertaken.
"The health and disability sector is an incredibly rewarding, but also very challenging work environment. I consider myself privileged to have worked with so many talented, professional and dedicated people that serve New Zealanders so well."
He says he wis proud of the health system, which he describes as "world class in many areas".
His career in health includes more than 20 years in senior health management positions, including the last 12 in chief executive roles.
McKernan says he is discussing a number of options and will make an announcement about his future in due course.
CTU president Helen Kelly says he is a great loss to the ministry as he has built strong relations with the sector and the ministry is going through major change.
Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Ian Powell hopes that McKernan has not been forced out of the job.
"Otherwise it will send an intimidating message to his successor, other health ministry officials, and district health board leaders to tailor their advice to what they think their political masters want to hear," Powell says.
Other sector organisations also praised the outgoing health boss and voiced concerns about his departure.
McKernan says his five months notice will allow for a replacement to be found and for him to manage the changes at the ministry.
He can not rule out redundancies, but McKernan says he supports the changes being made.
Health Minister Tony Ryall says he hopes McKernan will remain in the health sector.
