New head of Ministry for Primary Industries named

Martyn Dunne.

New Zealand's High Commissioner to Australia, Martyn Dunne, will take over the top spot at the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Mr Dunne was today appointed the new director-general for Primary Industries and chief executive of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

His CV includes being comptroller of Customs and chief executive of the New Zealand Customs Service for six and a half years. He also served as an officer in the New Zealand Army for 27 years, where he attained the rank of Major General and was commander of New Zealand forces in East Timor.

Mr Dunne was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in June 2000 following his service in East Timor.

Deputy State Services Commissioner Sandi Beatie, who announced the appointment, said Mr Dunne had outstanding experience in the protection of New Zealand's borders, regulation of exports and trade as well as international diplomacy.

"I am very pleased we have attracted someone of Mr Dunne's experience and calibre to this important role."

"Primary production and exports are the backbone of New Zealand's economy and MPI plays a critical role," she said.

Mr Dunne has been appointed for a term of three years and is due to begin on November 18.

He will replace Scott Gallacher, current acting director-general at MPI.

Mr Gallacher took up the position in July when the previous Director-General, Wayne McNee, left for the private sector.