Prime Minister John Key has announced the appointment of Peter Hughes CNZM as the next State Services Commissioner and Head of State Services.

Mr Hughes has been appointed for a five year term starting on 4 July 2016.

Mr Hughes is currently the Chief Executive and Secretary for Education, a role he has held since February 2013.

Mr Hughes replaces Iain Rennie, who has held the position since 2008.

The State Services Commissioner is appointed under the State Sector Act 1988 by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.