A challenge is ahead for New Zealand's two new health agencies, whose leaders have been announced today

Rob Campbell will head Health NZ, and Sharon Shea and Tipa Mahuta will co-lead the Maori Health Authority.

Medical Association chair Dr Alistair Humphrey says from his profession's perspective, there needs to be a focus on retaining staff.

He says the country is haemorrhaging doctors to Australia - with 10-thousand Kiwi doctors in New Zealand - but 2000 in Australia.

Humphrey says from a community perspective, inequity needs to be addressed.