Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the Customs chief executive Martyn Dunne will not run the new government department to rebuild quake-hit Christchurch.
It was widely reported earlier this week that Martyn Dunne was due to be confirmed by cabinet on Monday.
Radio New Zealand had received confirmation from the minister's office that he would become the new authority's interim head.
But Mr Brownlee says what he calls media speculation has been premature.
He says Mr Dunne has been doing some preparatory work via the State Services Commission to help with the authority's establishment.
It is now thought unlikely anyone will be named by Tuesday as planned.
Before heading customs Martyn Dunne spent over 30 years in the army, and led New Zealand troops into East Timor in 1999.
