Chappie Te Kani. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Oranga Tamariki's chief executive will take medical leave from mid-September to undergo surgery.
In a statement, Chappie Te Kani said Andrew Bridgman, the former Secretary of Defence, will fill in for him.
He will work as the ministry's acting general manager from mid-July before acting as chief executive in Te Kani's absence.
Last week, Oranga Tamariki confirmed it would axe 419 roles to meet the government's required spending cuts.
Te Kani said he wanted to make sure that restructure was complete and the new structure was ready to go before taking leave.
He said he will return to work by the end of the year.
