Michael Wintringham

Who is Michael Wintringham?

Michael Charles Wintringham CNZM is a New Zealand public servant. He served as State Services Commissioner, head of New Zealand's public service, from 1997 to 2004.

Wintringham was born in Blenheim, went to St John's College, Hastings, and has a BA degree from Victoria University of Wellington. He started his career in the New Zealand Treasury in 1970, and between 1980 and 1984 was posted to Washington as Economic Counsellor at the New Zealand Embassy. He then worked as an Assistant Auditor-General, before leaving the public service to work for a management consultancy in Wellington.

Wintringham was appointed Chief Executive of the Ministry of Housing by State Services Commissioner Don Hunn. In 1997, Wintringham succeeded Hunn as State Services Commissioner and head of New Zealand's public service.

In 2001, Wintringham was sued in the Employment Court for NZ$1.2 million by former Work and Income New Zealand Chief Executive Christine Rankin. Incoming Social Welfare Minister Steve Maharey criticised Rankin's personal and management style as chief executive in 1999, and Wintringham chose not to reappoint Rankin to the role in 2001.