Dr Ashley Bloomfield has hit out at online abuse levelled at his female colleagues and says what they receive is "terrible".
The Director-General of Health announced earlier on Wednesday that he will step down from his role at the end of July, which prompted questions during the 1pm COVID-19 update on what was difficult about being a public figure during a pandemic.
He said that while he had received abuse online, it was nothing compared to what his female colleagues were sent.
"I don't pay too much attention to the negative commentary and I'm thankful for and don't expect the positive feedback," Dr Bloomfield said.
"One observation I would make … is it's very gendered."
He described the gendered abuse as "terrible".
"Any of that sort of behaviour is terrible in my mind, but the fact it's so gendered is something we absolutely need to do something about."
Women in central and local government have recently spoken about online abuse they receive after a Young Nat member admitted to bullying female politicians while hiding behind a fake account.
Christchurch councillor Sara Templeton was one of the targets and said last week she hoped sharing her experience would bring more attention to the online abuse women receive.
"My key thing is to actually draw attention to the issues as a whole to deter people from doing it and to let women know that you can go through this process [of approaching Netsafe for help]. It's free to go through and you don't need a lawyer."
When Dr Bloomfield announced on Wednesday morning that he would step down, he said that it was a "good time" to leave and allow a new Director-General to lead the organisation, given the changing nature of the pandemic and upcoming changes to the health sector.
"I'm confident the health sector and the COVID-19 response are in good hands, that NZ will continue to deliver a world-class response to the pandemic, and those leading the health system will plan and deliver the full range of care that New Zealanders need following the Omicron outbreak.
"Over the coming four months I will be focused on ensuring the Ministry of Health is well placed to take on its future role in the new system, and that the systems and people are in place to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the additional challenges of flu and other illnesses through winter.
"I'm looking forward to taking an extended break and spending time with family before deciding on what I will do next."
An acting Director-General will be appointed before Dr Bloomfield finishes on July 29.
