Ministry for the Environment Chief Executive Appointed
State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie has today announced the appointment of Vicky Robertson as Secretary for the
Environment and Chief Executive of the Ministry for the Environment (MfE).
"I am very pleased to appoint Vicky Roberston to this important role, which is vital to the management of New Zealand’s
environment and natural resources," Mr Rennie said.
Ms Robertson is currently the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer at The Treasury. She was recently
Acting Secretary and Chief Executive of The Treasury from November 2014 to March 2015.
Ms Robertson has extensive experience across a range of complex policy frameworks, including as the Treasury
representative on the Land and Water Forum and leading an inter-departmental group on the review of climate change
policy. In 2010 she was seconded to the United Nations Development Programme where she led a strategic and structural
review of the organisation.
Ms Robertson was Chair of the steering group for the government’s mixed ownership model for state owned enterprises. She
has also worked extensively with iwi and for the last three years has attended Treaty of Waitangi events as a senior
representative. She has been involved in many interdepartmental strategic policy programmes, including the Social
Housing Programme, establishment of KiwiSaver and the New Zealand National Retirement Savings Scheme.
“Ms Robertson has a real focus on results and works very effectively with other government agencies, iwi, NGOs and the
private sector,” said Mr Rennie.
“Her experience working closely and effectively with a wide range of organisations and stakeholders will serve MfE well
in its national, regional and community-based environmental work,” Mr Rennie said.
Ms Robertson has been appointed for a five year team from 2 June 2015.
Mark Sowden will remain as Acting Chief Executive until Ms Roberston takes up her new position.
The Ministry for the Environment is the Government’s primary advisor on laws, regulations and policies that set the
framework for environmental management in New Zealand.
ENDS