New Zealand has named career diplomat, Mark Ramsden, as its next High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.

In making the appointment, the New Zealand Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, says Solomon Islands is a major development partner for New Zealand, and this country is committed to continuing and strengthening that long-term partnership.

Mr Ramsden has previously been posted to Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and New York.

He currently holds a senior position in the aid and development agency, NZAID, working on Pacific regional growth and governance issues.

He takes up his appointment in September, replacing Deborah Panckhurst, who is returning to Wellington.