Police say they will advertise for a new Whanganui area commander within the next month - 13 months after the vacancy arose.
The previous Area Commander, Inspector Steve Mastrovich, left in April 2016.
"The Whanganui position will be re-advertised within the next month. There is no intention nor has there been any to disestablish this position," police spokesman Ross Henderson said yesterday.
"The position was previously advertised, but it was decided to defer the appointment at the time in order to give interested staff the chance to act in the role as a development and learning opportunity to build on their skills and experience.
"The district leadership team see this as a great way build and develop capability across our district providing broader experience."
The acting area commander for Whanganui - which includes responsibility for the Ruapehu district - is Senior Sergeant Nigel Allan, who is in the role until a permanent full-time replacement is appointed.