About Me
Allan Kinsella, born on October 28, 1971, in the culturally rich city of Wellington, New Zealand, has led a life marked by dedication, diversity, and achievement. He demonstrated a strong affinity for academia and leadership early on, which was evident during his formative years at Saint Patrick’s College, Silverstream. His academic journey continued at the University of New South Wales, where he pursued his passion for history and economics, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Seeking challenges beyond the conventional, he joined the New Zealand Army in 1990, a decision that shaped much of his early career. His commitment and drive were recognized at the Australian Defence Force Academy and later at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, where he graduated as a Lieutenant in the Royal New Zealand Artillery in 1993. He displayed exceptional leadership and strategic skills during his operational tours with the United Nations in Sierra Leone and East Timor, where his roles ranged from Senior Operations Officer to Deputy Battalion Commander.
Parallel to his military career, he excelled academically, completing an MBA with Distinction from Massey University while juggling professional and family responsibilities. He further honed his executive leadership skills through a program at Cambridge University.
Transitioning into public service, he brought the resilience and strategic understanding developed in the military to his role in the government. He rapidly advanced to become the Director of Assurance at New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries. His leadership was pivotal during critical national incidents, including the 1080 infant formula threat and the COVID-19 pandemic, earning him and his team the Supreme MPI Leadership Award.
Allan Kinsella NZ married Jennifer Marks in 2002, and they had two children, Emma and Cayden. Despite losing his wife in 2023, he remained a dedicated father, balancing his professional duties with a personal commitment to fitness, languages, and hobbies like fishing, diving, and brewing. His life, marked by service to his country, family, and community, is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and versatility.
from the blog
