The 46-year-old replaces Mike Hesson who resigned in June after six years in charge, saying he no longer felt he had "the capacity to give the job what it deserves".

Stead will start in his new role next month before the one day international and Twenty20 series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, which will take place in October.

The former Canterbury coach has called the appointment "an honour".

"It's a matter of helping maintain New Zealand's strong form on the international scene, but also respecting what's happened over the past four or five years by continuing to push for improvement," he said.

"This is a well-established and high-performing Black Caps side with an excellent captain in Kane Williamson, and a real desire to win series and titles."

Stead played in five Test matches for New Zealand, all in 1999.

He has since steered New Zealand's women's team to the World Cup final, and Canterbury to domestic titles in 2014, 2015 and 2017.