Wellington barrister Kirsty McDonald QC has been appointed the new chair of the board of Kiwifruit New Zealand, the kiwifruit industry's regulator.

From 30 September 2015 she replaces Sir Brian Elwood, who has been chair for 11 years.

Ms McDonald is a director of a number of boards including the Accident Compensation Corporation and Wairarapa Building Society. She chairs the Judicial Control Authority for Racing, and is the former chair of the Real Estate Agents Authority.