Serious Fraud Office boss Adam Feeley is leaving his job as the nation's chief financial crime fighter to run the Queenstown District Council.
Mr Feeley said he broke the news he was leaving to his staff and minister Anne Tolley today. After delivering the news, he flew to Queenstown and signed the contract this afternoon.
Speaking from Queenstown, Mr Feeley said the new job was the answer to a long-time "hankering" to move to the town.
"For people who know me, this will come as no surprise."
He said he had been married in Queenstown and visited the town about four times a year.