Former Australian and US women's football coach Tom Sermanni has been unveiled as the new Football Ferns coach.
The Scotsman replaces Andreas Heraf, who resigned in July and was found to have engaged in bullying behaviour during his time in charge.
Sermanni has a strong coaching resume, having previously coached the Australian Matildas from 1994-1996 and 2005-2012, and the world number one United States from 2013-14.
The 64-year-old's most recent role was with the Orlando Pride in the US National Women's Soccer League.
"I'm delighted to be given the challenge of qualifying the Football Ferns for the World Cup in France next year," Sermanni said.
"During my time in coaching, I've always had a close relationship with the team and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to lead the programme during this exciting time."
The Glasgow native will be the head coach of Football Ferns until the FIFA Women's World Cup next year.
Sermanni will be straight into work, when he names the Football Ferns squad next week to compete at the OFC Women's Nations Cup in New Caledonia in November.
The Ferns will look to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup next year in France and also the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
NZ Football technical director Andy Boyens said it was important to have found someone with experience at the top of the women's game.
"Tom has the experience to bring the group together in a short time frame in order to perform to their potential during qualifying and if successful, on to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup," said the former All White.
"Tom has a good understanding of that current playing group that will enable him to hit the ground running. He also has a passion for football in this part of the world, and will be a great cultural fit for New Zealand Football and the Football Ferns."
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