The head of the public service Iain Rennie is to step down from his role in June after deciding not to seek re-appointment.
Mr Rennie has been the head of the State Services Commission since 2008, working under both Labour and National governments.
State Services Minister Paula Bennett said applications to replace Mr Rennie were likely to open in March and praised Mr Rennie for a "significant contribution" over his 30-year career in the public service.
Mr Rennie, who was paid $650,000-$659,000 last year, will stay on until his term ends in June.
He was at the centre of controversy in 2014 for his part in a press conference with former Cera boss Roger Sutton over allegations of inappropriate conduct toward staff. Mr Sutton announced he was stepping down at that press conference but also gave details of his actions, despite an agreement not to talk about the complaint.