The top position at Te Puni Kokiri, the Ministry of Maori Development, is being advertised.
Chief executive Leith Comer's contact ends in June this year, although he will stay on until the end of September to make the transition easier.
The State Services Comission says the extension will also ensure consistency during a review of Te Puni Kokiri which is tasked with exploring a potential refocus of the department.
Te Puni Kokiri is the Government's principal adviser on Crown-Maori relationships and guides Maori Public Policy.
