Canadian-born Haines (37) has also hung up his skates for the resort's side, Stampede, at least at a competitive level.
The wider national squad was announced on Monday and Haines' name, for the first time in years, was missing from the list.
Given he has spent half a decade sporting the ''C'' jersey, he said that was weird, but said it was time for new challenges.
''It is the next stage for me.
''I have got quite a lot of exciting stuff coming up personally and business-wise.
''I really enjoyed my role and time with the team. I absolutely cherish it and I want to stay involved some way.''
He hopes to support the youth teams but has not looked at options yet.
Haines said it was hard to pick just one career highlight with the men in black, although one game stands out.
''There was a massive game in 2013 in Turkey.
''We came from behind in a game against China and beat them to win a silver medal and that was a huge, huge game for us and a great tournament for the team.''
But it is not the wins on the scoreboard that will stick in his mind, but seeing team-mates grow and develop as players, particularly the younger members of the squad.
Haines said he was pretty proud of their achievements.
Queenstown's Ross Burns is assistant manager of the national side and said Haines left a massive gap in the team.
''He has been a fantastic leader and role model. They are big shoes for any of the boys to fill; he is a leader on and off the ice.
''He led by example and never let a rough situation get in his way.
''He has given us something that will be hard to replace.''
While Burns is sorry to see Haines go, he wishes him - and his successor - well.
''What it does do is give other guys the opportunity to step up and come forward.
''We can't be complacent about what was, but excited about what is going to happen moving forward. We have some very talented players and it's a chance for younger players to step into where Bert was a couple of years ago.''
The Ice Blacks squad includes fellow Queenstowners Adam Soffer, Aston Brookes, Callum Burns, Cameron Trew, Connor Harrison, Matt Schneider, Mitchell Frear and Stefan Amston.
