Former Police Commissioner Peter Marshall has been named as the next High Commissioner to the Cook Islands by Foreign Minister Murray McCully.
Marshall was Police Commission of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force for four years and was then New Zealand Police Commissioner from 2011 to 2014.
McCully said New Zealand the Cook Islands had a special relationship based on historical ties and shared citizenship.
Last year marked the Cook Islands' 50th anniversary of self-government in free association with New Zealand and year-long celebrations culminated in reciprocal prime ministerial visits, he said.
"In commemoration of the sacrifice made by 500 young Cook Islands soldiers who served in World War I, New Zealand is hosting a programme of events throughout 2016.