Pauline Winter has been appointed to replace Dr Colin Tukuitonga as the chief executive at New Zealand's Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.
Ms Winter, who has a Maori and Samoan heritage, is currently heading the Office of Pasifika Advancement at the Auckland University of Technology.
The State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie says Ms Winter's background and networks would provide unique, Pasifika specific knowledge and perspectives to help the Ministry achieve its aims.
Dr Tukuitonga, who is a medical doctor, plans to work as a private consultant to Pacific countries on health issues.
