Gerry Brownlee has been announced as New Zealand's new foreign minister.
Gerry Brownlee Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The current minister, Murray McCully, has resigned ahead of an election later this year, after eight years in the job.
Mr McCully's work in the Pacific was marked by measures including a change in New Zealand's approach to foreign aid spending, and the rekindling of relations with post-coup Fiji.
He has also overseen a two-year term for New Zealand at the United Nations Security Council.
Murray McCully at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau Photo: RNZI
Mr Brownlee, a long-serving MP from Christchurch, has served as the minister for city's earthquake recovery and defence.
The appointment is part of a wider cabinet reshuffle by the prime minister, Bill English.