Ash Dixon has been promoted to Highlanders co-captain.

New Zealand Maori skipper Ash Dixon will help All Black Ben Smith lead the Highlanders' Super rugby charge.

Dixon, 28, is Smith's third co-captain in as many seasons after Nasi Manu left for Edinburgh following the 2015 Super Rugby title triumph and flanker Shane Christie, who shared the role last season.

Highlanders coach Tony Brown said Dixon's previous leadership experience meant he was the logical replacement for Christie, who asked to step down.

"He's been a member of our leadership group over the past couple of years and has the leadership qualities which made him the obvious candidate," Brown told the Otago Daily Times.

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"He has experience with captaining the Maori and Hawke's Bay and we know he will do a good job."

Dixon, a Christchurch-raised hooker, is in his third year with the Highlanders following stints with the Blues and the Hurricanes.

He shares the hooking duties in Dunedin with All Blacks squad member Liam Coltman with Greg Pleasants-Tate as back-up.