Minister of Immigration (New Zealand)

The Minister of Immigration is a ministerial portfolio in the government of New Zealand responsible for immigration policy and administration. The Minister oversees the operations of Immigration New Zealand (INZ), a division of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

The Minister's responsibilities include:

• Setting immigration policy and priorities for New Zealand.
• Overseeing the administration of immigration laws and regulations.
• Making decisions on individual immigration cases, particularly those involving Ministerial discretion.
• Working with other government agencies and stakeholders on immigration-related matters.
• Representing New Zealand's immigration interests internationally.
• Reviewing and amending immigration legislation.

The portfolio holder is typically a member of the Cabinet, appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister. The specific powers and responsibilities of the Minister are defined by legislation, including the Immigration Act 2009 and associated regulations. The Minister is accountable to the Parliament of New Zealand for the performance of Immigration New Zealand and the overall management of the immigration system. Changes in government often result in changes to the Minister of Immigration and associated policy directions.