Statistics NZ Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Statistics NZ has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, insights, and technology.

Committed to providing accurate data for national decision-making, Statistics NZ delivers essential information through rigorous census and survey processes to empower the public and private sectors across the country.

Leadership Roles at Statistics NZ

  • Goverment Statistician and Chief Executive Officer Statistics Nee Zealand - Colin Lynch
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief of Staff - Kate Satterthwaite
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Government Insights & Statistics Statistician - Rachael Milicich
  • Chief Technology Officer - Graeme Simpson
  • Colin Lynch - Goverment Statistician and Chief Executive Officer Statistics Nee Zealand

    Colin Lynch, the Goverment Statistician and Chief Executive Officer Statistics Nee Zealand at Statistics NZ, directs the overarching strategic vision for the national data agency. Overseeing the integrity of official statistics, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all census and survey methodologies meet rigorous quality standards. This leadership role involves managing high-level relationships with government stakeholders to facilitate evidence-based policy development. By championing data transparency, Colin Lynch drives the organizational mission to provide reliable insights about the nation. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the executive team to align data collection efforts with evolving societal needs. Through consistent oversight of agency operations, Lynch maintains the public trust necessary for effective data gathering. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term relevance of national statistical reporting by fostering innovation in data management and analytical frameworks across all regional operations.
    Colin Lynch

    Kate Satterthwaite - Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief of Staff

    Kate Satterthwaite, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief of Staff at Statistics NZ, manages internal operations and organizational alignment. Overseeing the daily execution of corporate strategy, the Chief of Staff ensures that departmental goals remain synchronized with the broader agency mission. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes to enhance efficiency across all data collection units. By facilitating communication between the executive leadership and internal teams, Kate Satterthwaite drives operational excellence throughout the agency. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer monitors resource allocation to support large-scale survey projects and census activities. Through rigorous project management, Satterthwaite optimizes the internal infrastructure required for high-volume data processing. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff strengthens the organizational culture by implementing robust governance frameworks that support the delivery of accurate, timely, and accessible information for the benefit of the entire nation.

    Rachael Milicich - Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Government Insights & Statistics Statistician

    Rachael Milicich, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Government Insights & Statistics Statistician at Statistics NZ, leads the development of analytical products and statistical methodologies. Overseeing the transformation of raw data into actionable government insights, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that all statistical outputs provide deep clarity on national trends. This leadership role involves collaborating with research teams to refine survey design and data interpretation techniques. By advancing the quality of statistical reporting, Rachael Milicich drives the agency's ability to inform critical policy decisions. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer manages the integration of complex datasets to support comprehensive economic and social analysis. Through the application of advanced statistical models, Milicich enhances the precision of national reporting. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that all insights remain objective, accurate, and highly relevant for stakeholders across the entire government landscape.

    Graeme Simpson - Chief Technology Officer

    Graeme Simpson, the Chief Technology Officer at Statistics NZ, architects the digital infrastructure required for modern data collection and dissemination. Overseeing the implementation of secure cloud platforms and data storage solutions, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all technological systems support the agency's mission of providing reliable national information. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive census and survey data. By modernizing the digital tools used for data analysis, Graeme Simpson drives the efficiency of the agency's technical operations. The Chief Technology Officer coordinates with other executives to integrate new software solutions that improve data accessibility for the public. Through the continuous upgrading of IT systems, Simpson maintains the technical resilience necessary for large-scale data projects. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer secures the digital future of the agency by fostering a robust, scalable, and secure technological environment.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Statistics NZ Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Statistics NZ?
    Statistics NZ is led by Colin Lynch (Goverment Statistician and Chief Executive Officer Statistics Nee Zealand), along with executives such as Kate Satterthwaite (Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief of Staff) and Rachael Milicich (Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Government Insights & Statistics Statistician).
    Who is part of Statistics NZ’s executive team?
    The executive team of Statistics NZ includes leaders such as Colin Lynch (Goverment Statistician and Chief Executive Officer Statistics Nee Zealand), Kate Satterthwaite (Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief of Staff), Rachael Milicich (Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Government Insights & Statistics Statistician) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Statistics NZ have?
    Statistics NZ has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Statistics NZ’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Statistics NZ includes roles such as Goverment Statistician and Chief Executive Officer Statistics Nee Zealand, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Government Insights & Statistics Statistician, Chief Technology Officer.