Viv Rickard has been appointed the deputy commissioner of police for five years.
Mr Rickard was previously the assistant commissioner of national operations at Police National Headquarters in Wellington.
He replaces acting deputy commissioner Michael Player, who held the role after the previous deputy commissioner, Lyn Provost, stepped down last year.
"Deputy commissioner Rickard is a hugely respected police officer who brings 25 years' experience, including nine years on the police executive, to this important role," Police Minister Judith Collins said.
Mr Rickard will be responsible for ensuring that the human, financial and information resources of the New Zealand Police are used to deliver safer communities and high levels of service to the public.