Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche today announced the appointment of Mr Jeremy Lightfoot as Secretary and Chief Executive for the new Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport.
The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport is a new Ministry that will tackle many of New Zealand’s major economic and environmental challenges, working to unlock the potential of our cities and regions to drive economic growth, resilience and quality of life.
The Secretary for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport will lead the new Ministry, working with local government, Māori, and the private sector to coordinate planning, investment, and regulations to deliver local solutions.
Mr Lightfoot is currently Secretary for Corrections and Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections, a role he has held since February 2020. Prior to this he held several senior leadership roles in the Department of Corrections covering operations, finance, technology and commercial functions. Before joining the New Zealand public service in 2010, Mr Lightfoot was Managing Director of a UK‑based infrastructure and project management firm and has also held management roles in UK local government.
The establishment of the new Ministry, which will be up and running on 1 July, marks a significant change delivering an integrated planning, investment and regulatory system to improve environmental, housing and transport outcomes.
Sir Brian said Mr Lightfoot is an impressive, experienced leader with a reputation for delivery.
“Mr Lightfoot has led large workforces, including front‑line and multi-specialist workers. He knows how to bring that mix of skills together to achieve results,” said Sir Brian.
“He understands how to get policy, funding and delivery working in step and has worked closely with councils, Māori and communities – experience that matters for the challenges the Ministry has been established to address.”
Mr Lightfoot holds a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Engineering and Business Management from the University of Sussex.
He has been appointed for five years from Monday 27 April 2026.
Biography
Mr Lightfoot is currently Secretary for Corrections and Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections, a position he has held since February 2020.
Prior to that, from 2012-2020, Mr Lightfoot held several senior leadership roles in the Department of Corrections covering operations, finance, technology and commercial functions.
Before joining the New Zealand public service, Mr Lightfoot was Managing Director of Parkwood Project Management Ltd in the United Kingdom (2006-2010). He has also held a number of management roles in UK local government.
Mr Lightfoot holds a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Engineering and Business Management from the University of Sussex.
