MBIE Names Andy Milne as Immigration New Zealand’s New Deputy Secretary

Summary

MBIE has confirmed Andy Milne as Immigration New Zealand’s new Deputy Secretary, following his appointment in July 2026. His background includes senior leadership at ACC and responsibility for managed isolation and quarantine at MBIE. The change comes as INZ prepares major Skilled Migrant Category reforms and continues modernising visa services.

Our Analysis

• We see this appointment as important for maintaining delivery discipline during overlapping residence and digital-service reforms.
• Mr Milne’s service-improvement background should support stronger operational focus across Immigration New Zealand.
• Advisers should monitor implementation guidance closely as leadership priorities become clearer.
• Employers will watch whether service reliability improves during the August reform cycle.

Full Story

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has confirmed Andy Milne as the new Deputy Secretary for Immigration New Zealand, placing a new senior leader at the centre of New Zealand’s immigration system. MBIE’s senior leadership profile was updated on 19 August 2026 and records Mr Milne’s appointment to the role in July 2026.

Mr Milne joins Immigration New Zealand after serving as Deputy Chief Executive for Strategy, Engagement and Prevention at ACC, where he led work on organisational strategy, performance and engagement. Earlier in his public-sector career, he held the position of Deputy Secretary for Managed Isolation and Quarantine at MBIE.

The appointment comes as Immigration New Zealand manages a significant programme of policy and operational change. The agency is preparing to implement major Skilled Migrant Category reforms on 24 August 2026, including new residence pathways for skilled workers and trades and technician occupations. It is also continuing the staged transition of visa applications to enhanced Immigration Online and responding to ongoing scrutiny of immigration-system governance and service delivery.

MBIE’s profile says Immigration New Zealand is responsible for stewardship of the immigration system, with a mandate to facilitate migration that supports New Zealand’s interests while protecting the integrity of the border and visa framework. It describes Mr Milne’s background in service improvement and strategic leadership as aligned with the organisation’s ambition to provide a trusted and effective immigration service.

For immigration advisers, employers and education providers, the leadership change is relevant because the Deputy Secretary role sits close to system performance, operational priorities and stakeholder engagement. Mr Milne’s immediate agenda is likely to include overseeing the delivery of upcoming residence reforms, digital-service changes and broader efforts to strengthen confidence in Immigration New Zealand’s administration.