Former Reserve Bank Governor Don Brash says hiring a foreigner with no New Zealand experience as the bank's next head would be a bad mistake.
Governor Alan Bollard has announced he will step down in September after a decade in the position.
The Reserve Bank board will look for his successor in New Zealand and overseas.
Dr Brash says a New Zealander living abroad could be suitable, but he does not think a foreigner would be the right fit.
He has named current deputy governor Grant Spencer and former deputy Murray Sherwin as capable candidates.
