Former Commonwealth secretary-general Sir Don McKinnon has been appointed interim director of Auckland War Memorial Museum.
He replaces controversial director Dr Vanda Vitali, whose resignation was announced in March.
Dr Vitali's time as director of the museum was marked by several high-profile disagreements.
Auckland Museum Trust Board chairman Dr William Randall said today that Sir Don was a strong leader who would bring out the best in the museum's people.
Sir Don's career includes eight years as secretary-general of the Commonwealth and 21 years in Parliament, serving in various ministerial roles including as deputy prime minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister of Pacific Island Affairs.
He was appointed a member of the Order of New Zealand in 2008. In 2009 the Queen appointed him Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
Sir Don has received a number of other international awards and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in brokering a peace agreement in Bougainville.
Dr Randall said work was underway to find a permanent director.
NZPA