Former Auckland crown prosecutor Michael Heron has been appointed as the new solicitor-general.
Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson announced Mr Heron will take up the five-year term on September 3.
He replaces David Collins QC, who was appointed as a judge in the High Court in March.
Mr Heron was most recently a partner at Russell McVeagh between 2007 and June this year.
He has advised the Crown and Government agencies, and has experience across legal areas including criminal, civil, commercial, human rights and public law.
Mr Heron also chairs Drug Free Sport New Zealand.
His new role will see him act as principal counsel and legal adviser to the Crown and chief executive of the Crown Law Office.
The solicitor-general is responsible for prosecuting indictable crimes and for identifying and managing Government legal risks.
Mr Heron will also be required to implement decisions from a recent review of the role and functions of the solicitor-general and the Crown Law Office.
NZN