Former National Party chief of staff Rob Eaddy has been appointed to that role with United Future, leader Peter Dunne said today.

He will replace long serving Mark Stonyer, who resigned at short notice two weeks ago, after being with Mr Dunne for eight years.

Mr Eaddy, who will manage the relationship between United Future and the Labour-led Government, left National in 1997 to be communications director of the Health Funding Authority.

He has since been general manager, communications, consultation and relationships for Hutt Valley Health.

Mr Dunne was delighted that a man of Mr Eaddy's calibre and experience had accepted the job, which he will take up at the end of next month.

- NZPA