The New Zealander who heads the Solomons Islands' police force, Peter Marshall, has been named as the new Police Commissioner.
He will replace retiring Commissioner Howard Broad for a three-year term, beginning on 3 April 2011.
Mr Marshall has been seconded to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force since February 2007 and has held the position of commissioner there since May 2008.
He has also held a number of command and operational positions with the New Zealand Police.
Police Minister Judith Collins says Mr Marshall is respected officer who brings 38 years of experience to the very important position.
Ms Collins says she is confident he will uphold the values of integrity, courage, energy and public safety expected of the police.
Mr Marshall says he is looking forward to the challenge.
"It's been a long journey for me, in the sense I've been with the police for over 38 years. But to be given this opportunity ... to be commissioner of New Zealand Police is something that I'm tickled pink about."
Mr Broad is on a five-year contract, but Mr Marshall has been offered a three-year term. Prime Minister John Key says that is no reflection on either man, but rather it allows for more regular performance appraisal.
Mr Key says three-year terms for senior public servants may become more common, for example, when the next Chief of Defence Force is appointed.
