Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Former High Commissioner to India Grahame Morton has been named the new ambassador to China.
He will begin in the role in December.
In a statement announcing the move, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said China - New Zealand's top trading partner - shared a long and important relationship with Aotearoa.
After 50 years of diplomatic relations, Morton's "extensive experience across Asia will enhance our relations even further", she said.
"We will continue to support New Zealand companies, including many iwi businesses, in order to further boost and diversify our growing exports, and provide greater economic security to all New Zealanders," the statement said.
Morton, currently a senior diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, had previously been a principal advisor on the Americas and Asia, a divisional manager of the North Asia division.
He also led the New Zealand China Capable Public Sector programme, and negotiations for the New Zealand-Singapore Enhanced Partnership.