New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced that Ross Ardern will be the country's next administrator of Tokelau.

Mr Ardern, who is currently serving as High Commissioner to Niue and has held various Pacific regional policing roles, is also the father of New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern.

Photo: kunilanskap/123RF

According to the Foreign Minister, Mr Ardern's extensive understanding of the Pacific, and distinguished career with New Zealand Police make him an ideal candidate for the Tokelau role.

Mr Ardern is to be responsible for overseeing New Zealand's development assistance to Tokelau which includes major investments in internet connectivity and transport infrastructure.

He is to take up the role of administrator in early 2018, based in Auckland.

Tokelau is a dependent territory of New Zealand.