A new police officer for the Otago Peninsula should be in the role by next month.
Acting Southern district commander Inspector Jason Guthrie, of Dunedin, said a "provisional appointment" had been made to the sole-charge post at the Portobello police station.
The new officer will be subject to a seven-day review period.
"If, at the conclusion of that period, there are no reviews, the appointment becomes official," Insp Guthrie said.
"In this case it is hoped that the newly appointed officer can be announced by mid-late May and in place soon after."
Long-serving police officer Lox Kellas retired last month after more than 30 years as the face of policing on the peninsula.
