The board of New Zealand's kiwifruit sector regulator has chosen a new chair and CEO with an arsenal of legal and export-oriented experience behind them.

Kristy McDonald QC will take up the role of chair at Kiwifruit New Zealand (KNZ), while Geoff Morgan will come in as the new CEO.

In a release, outgoing chairman Sir Brian Elwood said McDonald was a highly regarded Queen's Counsel with a wealth of legal, governance and regulatory experience and a genuine interest in primary industries.

"I am pleased to announce that Ms McDonald will take up her responsibilities from today (30 September) and the industry will benefit greatly from Ms McDonald's broad ranging skills and experience," Elwood said.

KNZ said McDonald was a busy Wellington barrister and a director of a number of boards including the Accident Compensation Corporation and the Wairarapa Building Society. She also chairs the Judicial Control Authority for Racing and is the former chair of the Real Estate Agents Authority.

The group said Morgan had extensive experience in export-oriented industries throughout the world, including seafood and meat, combined with  regulatory and marketing experience.

Morgan is a Tauranga resident and current chairman of the Tauranga Boys' College Board of Trustees.

Outgoing chairman Elwood was in the role for 11 years, while outgoing CEO Richard Procter held his position for 10 years.

"I believe the Kiwifruit Regulations have created a stable environment to enable growth and success in the kiwifruit industry," Elwood said.

"It is pleasing to see the industry now poised for a period of growth and substantial expansion."

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