Calls to New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Justin Vaughan were not immediately returned.

"John's appointment is an exciting one for New Zealand Cricket," Vaughan was quoted as saying by the New Zealand Press Association. "He has a great cricketing pedigree and will provide outstanding leadership as NZC look to move forward."

The 58-year-old Buchanan coached Australia from 1999-2007, when they won two one-day World Cups and had a world record of 16 successive test victories.

He also acted as a consultant for England before their recent Ashes series in Australia, which the tourists won 3-1.

Buchanan, who will be in charge of the high performance programme and implement consistent coaching and talent identification programmes, will take up his position in May.