Diplomat Paul Foster-Bell will give up his posting as deputy head of mission at New Zealand's Embassy in Saudi Arabia to enter Parliament as a National list MP.
Mr Foster-Bell, National's 2011 Wellington Central candidate, will replace list MP Jackie Blue who resigned last week to take up the role of Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner.
He said he had written to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade to say if he was offered the vacant Parliamentary seat he would accept and resign his position with the ministry.
Mr Foster-Bell is next cab off the rank after former National MP Paul Quinn, ranked 56th on National's list, turned down the chance the return to Parliament following Dr Blue's resignation.
"I am looking forward to returning to Wellington to support John Key's National-led Government, to champion our trade and economic relationships with other countries, and to serve the capital's electors and communities," Mr Foster-Bell said.
He has worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for nearly a decade and is also the vice-chairman of Monarchy NZ.
NZN